MADISON, Wisc. – It had been two weeks since the Golden Eagles were last in action, but Rock Valley had no difficulties in their N4C and Region IV opener, shutting out Milwaukee Area Technical College 13-0 Saturday afternoon.
Wednesday evening's match proved to be an exciting one as Madison College edged out Rock Valley College in their first meeting of the 2021 season.
In a relatively back-and-forth match, the Wolfpack started strongly in the opening 15 minutes which would lead to the match's opening goal. The Wolfpack struck first in the 17
th minute. Lucas martin-Heid, eluded two RVC defenders, then threaded a low-driven ball past freshman goalkeeper
Miguel De Leon near-post.
In the 30
th minute, Madison would double their lead, beating De Leon a second time off a glancing header. Staring into a blistering sun for the majority of the first half, Rock Valley found more of their rhythm as the sun continued to set. "That first half [sun] proved difficult to find our rhythm early," said head coach
Tim Romanello. "It's important to find that rhythm as early as possible on the road."
In the 33
rd minute, it was Rock Valley would provide a match-changing moment as
Victor Munoz split two Madison defenders with a pass to find a running
Poe Reh. Reh took three touches to elude the goalkeeper to convert the goal to draw within one.
The second half started with the Golden Eagles applying significant pressure in Madison's half of play.
Poe Reh was brought down almost immediately to start the second half. On this occasion, Madison goalkeeper Sullivan Schwitters made penalty kick save and kept the score 2-1 in favor of the home side.
The midfield trio of Bernardo Dominguez, Jamie Alvarez and Isias Nieto controlled the play and provided Rock Valley a furry of chances, the Golden Eagles would even the game in the 49
th minute as defender
Joshua Ceniceros would convert his strike on goal from 12 yards out.
The Golden Eagles continued their strong form for the remainder of the match. However, in the 73
rd minute, Omar Munoz attempted to dribble out of the box to initiate a counterattack, but in that moment, the ball caught the hand of the freshman midfielder and Munoz was called for a handball. Jonas Luskey Sanders would covert the penalty for the 3-2 advantage.
"This game can be a furry of emotions," said Romanello following the match. "This is probably one of the best matches I have been a part of."
Rock Valley College lost for the first time this fall, dropping to 3-1-0 (1-1-0 Region 4). Madison College improves to 4-1-0 (3-0-0). The Golden Eagles will host Harper College in Rockford on Saturday for a rematch of the 2020-21 Region IV Final. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:00 pm at RVC Field on campus.
~ Leave No Doubt ~
