LAKEWOOD, Ohio (Aug. 12, 2023) -- Rocky River opened its season with a charged 1-0 victory across the bridge, as the Pirates defeated the Lakewood Rangers in the 2023 Riverwood Cup.

An early-second-half goal by junior Gabe Schroth was the lone goal of the 29th all-time meeting between the two west-side neighbors. The Pirates (1-0) allowed just three shots on goal in the contest spanning two days; senior goalkeeper Gio Lizzini handled all three in earning his first career shutout. The match at Garfield Middle School in Lakewood started Friday but was was suspended 16 minutes in due to lightning and inclement weather conditions.

"I'm very impressed with how our boys dealt with the suspended game," said coach Kevin Zerbey. "They played well on Friday but even better tonight. I'm proud of the fellas for fighting and staying focused for the entire game."

The Pirates and Rangers (0-1) toted their scoreless tie into Saturday and would carry it into the second half. But in the 48th minute, senior captain Zach Kern chased a through ball across midfield and toward the Lakewood goal. As Kern got to the top of the penalty area, he paused a moment drawing two defenders and then slipped a pass over to Schroth, who finished the play with a tapper bottom left in a one-on-one with the Ranger 'keeper.

The netfinder marked a career first for Schroth and, after 32 more minutes of scoreless soccer, helped lift the Sons of Blackbeard to reclaiming the Riverwood Cup. The Rangers had held the trophy since 2021; River's last win against Lakewood had been in 2021. Five straight Riverwood battles have now gone in the books as shutouts.

"I really enjoy our games with Lakewood because the Rangers play a style that we really don't see from our other opponents," said Zerbey. "They never play dirty or cheap, and they force our boys to make good decisions all over the field. This game was a really good test. I'm very glad our boys passed."

Rocky River's next game is scheduled for Aug. 23 at Holy Name.

by Skip Snow

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