Rockford, IL—Freshman Poe Reh scored a diving-header in the 29th minute, sending the Golden Eagles to a massive 1-0 home victory over the Madison College Wolfpack at RVC Soccer Field on Saturday.
The game was largely affected by a 30-mph wind throughout the contest, which Rock Valley used to their advantage, generating 11 first-half shots and keeping Madison within their own half for much of the opening 45 minutes. Poe Reh flicked on sophomore Pedro Acosta into open space before finishing off Acosta's cross to give the Golden Eagles the lead midway through the first half. Madison's goalkeeper, Saxon LaFlash, collected five saves, denying Rock Valley several chances to take an early lead or build upon the 1-0 score line.
"Madison is well-coached and a dangerous team," said head coach Tim Romanello following the match. "I knew with only one goal to show for our first half wind advantage, we were going to have to fight tooth and nail in the second half."
As the action continued in the second half, despite being outshot 4-3 and facing a stiff wind, Rock Valley controlled much of the second stanza, owning 58% of the possesion, a remarkable statistic considering the team only completed 72 passes (64% passing) in the second half. Madison's LaFlash prevented RVC doubling their lead when he denied Acosta from the penalty spot, then saved an immediate rebound shot from freshman Axel Alamo in the 70th minute.
The home side were nearly dealt a blow in the waning seconds as sophomore goalkeeper Chris Perea saw a midfield shot attempt scream past the woodwork. Perea sent the ensuing restart high into the wind as the final whistle blew, allowing Rock Valley all three points. "I thought we were solid in the second half," said Romanello. "We were organized and moved the ball. The guys responded to the instructions at halftime and really stay switched on."
Rock Valley currently sits tied for fourth in the Region IV standings, but await the final matches for both Madison and Elgin schedule for earlier this week before learning of their quarterfinal fixture next Saturday.
