ROCKY RIVER, Ohio -- The Pirates remained unbeaten and unscored upon with a 3-0 victory over the Normandy Invaders Wednesday.

In a contest that marked the team's 2021 home opener, Rocky River won the possession battle throughout, out-paced Normandy in chances, and put three of those chances -- one in the first half and two in the second -- in the back of the net.

Playing on its home turf after four straight road affairs, the Pirates (3-0-2) were patient in breaking down and through Invader lines. Finally, in the 36th minute, senior co-captain Jack Maher dribbled up the right side, cut inside at the top of the box and fired off a shot that went up over the goalkeeper's hands and under the crossbar. Goal No. 1 on the season for Maher; 1-0 advantage to the home side.

"You have to be patient, move the ball quickly, and take your chances when they come," said head coach Kevin Zerbey. "We did that tonight, and it made for a very satisfying win."

More possession wins and quick ball movement in the second half would eventually lead another Maher whistler, one that was stopped but then gathered in and banged home by junior Charlie Russell. Six minutes later, a similar goal -- Maher on the first attempt and Russell on the clean-up -- closed out the scoring of the match at 3-0.

All the while, River's defense kept its 'keeper, Will DeClerck, upright and unbothered at the other end.

Russell's goals marked his second and third of the season. All three have come in the Pirates' last two games. With Maher finding twine on Wednesday, nine different players have scored for the Double-R this season.

That 2021 season is slated to continue with another Great Lakes Conference crossover game -- at Lakewood -- on Sept. 8.


by Skip Snow

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