PARMA, Ohio – Rocky River Boys’ Soccer extended its late-season unbeaten streak to four with a 2-0 victory over Normandy on Monday night.
Andrew Fry
and Chase DeClerck netted goals for the Pirates, who are now 3-0-1 over their
last four games.
Monday’s match – River’s first Great Lakes Conference game on the road since Sept. 14 – was a scoreless one through the opening half of play. Nate Keeling and Chris Fry combined to chase down and thwart a Parma breakaway on a key play in the 30th minute, but Pirate goalkeeper Connor O’Toole would not have to deal with much trouble throughout.
Rocky River
(9-4-2, 6-2 GLC) drew a penalty in the box in the 43rd minute, and the Pirates capitalized when Andrew Fry found twine high and to the ‘keeper’s left.
In the 58th minute, Chase DeClerck let loose a shot that was too hot for the goalie to handle. The Invader ‘keeper made the initial save, but the ball slipped through his hands and into the far side netting to his right for River’s second and final goal of the evening.
"It was a nice win against a team that was up for the fight because it was their Senior Night,” said Head Coach Kevin Zerbey. “I was pleased with the boys' effort and dedication to getting the shutout. Offensively, we moved the ball around pretty well, but we'll need to be more inventive in the final third on Saturday night if we're going to beat Lakewood and keep the Riverwood Cup for one more year."
Zerbey’s reference was to Rocky River’s next contest, a 7 p.m. home tilt against the Lakewood Rangers on Saturday.
CANNON FIRE …
OT A-OK: Connor O’Toole earned his seventh shutout of the season and the 19th of his career with Monday’s 2-0 finish. O’Toole is now alone in third place on River’s all-time shutout list.
YOUNG BUCS: In junior varsity action, Rocky River defeated Normandy, 4-0, on Monday. Pirate goals were scored by Charlie Russell, Jack Bowers, Emmanuel Loizos and Fionn Harte. Will DeClerck was credited with three saves.
by Skip Snow
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