Box Score ROCKFORD – The Golden Eagles overcame an early two-goal deficit Monday afternoon over Illinois Valley, securing their eighth-straight playoff appearance in Region IV.
 
Rock Valley went down 1-0 in an Illinois Valley counterattack in the third minute, then conceded a second nearly five minutes later from a corner kick. "We were slow to match their energy at the start," said head coach Tim Romanello. "They took care of their chances when given the opportunity and we paid the price."
 
Following the second goal, freshman Johnny Leon-Horta provided the initial spark the Golden Eagles needed in the 18^th minute as the midfielder carved his way through the top of the box and put one past the Illinois Valley goalkeeper. Twelve minutes later, sophomore and leading goal-scorer Poe Reh scored the equalizer in the 30^th.
 
Tied at the break, Leon-Horta would pick up where he left off in the first half, taking advantage early in the second half and putting home his second of the night in the 52^nd minute. Poe Reh would collect his brace with an insurance goal in the 72^nd minute.
 
Illinois Valley would collect a goal in the 89^th minute to make things briefly interesting at 4-3 with a little more than a minute to play.
 
"I'm proud of these guys," said Romanello later. "To come back from 2-0 down and score four unanswered is something that isn't easily (or regularly) done. We should a lot of grit today."
 
The Golden Eagles improved to 8-1-0 on the season and have now taken both regular season match-ups against Illinois Valley. Rock Valley College moves to 5-1 in Region IV play and are currently in a four-way tie a-top the standings with 15 points.
 
Game three of four in seven days will take place Wednesday at 4:00 pm. Milwaukee Area Tech will make their trip to Rockford for the second leg of the season match-up. In case you cannot make the game, the game will be live streamed on JustAGame Live.
 
Cooper Jevremovic played all 90 minutes in goal for Rock Valley.
 
Special Notes: Poe Reh moved into a three-way tie for third place for goals in a season (12) and fourth place for points in a season (27). Cooper Jevremovic passed Alan Calderon for fourth all-time in minutes played as a goalkeeper.
 
~ Leave No Doubt ~