The RSC BU10 Boys came out on top this weekend to get the first trophy and tournament win for Riptide Soccer Club in the 2011 San Diego Open.
In group play they edged out two teams on Saturday to go ahead in points and guarantee a spot in the final on Sunday. The first game was hard fought with an early go ahead goal by Henry Spoor that was short lived as the Matrix quickly tied it up. It remained tied until the final minute when Will Neves and Micah Selby put together two clutch passes to find RJ LaRocco on a cross field run, who netted the game winner with just seconds to go!
Later that day the RSC boys outplayed FC Heat, but could not find the back of the net as they hit the cross bar and post several times and put many shots on goal. It was 0-0 until Jake Donlon made a definitive run, creating a 2 on 1 break to find RJ LaRocco for his second game winning goal of the day!
Sunday’s early game against Mexico Aztecs was another grudge match. It ended in a 0-0 tie, but RSC had most of the possession and had many chances as they once again hit the cross bar and tested the play of the Aztec goalie. But the GK play was matched with several big saves from RSC goalie Matthew Baker-Dunn to keep the game even.
The final was set for a rematch between RSC and Mexico Aztecs. It was a back and forth duel. RSC seemed to strike first with a rocket shot from Will Neves that was called back. Aztecs then struck to go ahead 1-0. Their celebration was short lived as Jake Donlon netted a free kick goal from about 25 yards to even the score. Moments later it was RJ LaRocco again on a corner kick, getting a deflection from the Aztec goalie as the RSC boys went up 2-1. The RSC boys were back on top and Jake Donlon showed some skill drawing a foul just outside the penalty box and would score again on another free kick. The 3-1 lead was shortened by another Aztec goal… Big dramatics ensued as RJ LaRocco found a gap in the second half, and on his break away into the box was fouled by the Aztec goalie who was red carded for the flagrant and LaRocco earned a PK that he netted to put the RSC boys up 4-2. Aztecs would score again down 1 man, but RSC quickly came back with another goal that would give RJ LaRocco the hat trick and a 5-3 lead. Aztecs would threaten, but could not penetrate the RSC back line enough with dominating defensive play by Reed Harris and Linus Ticho. Will Neves followed with a dynamite break to get his first RSC goal to net the 6-3 lead… Aztecs would strike again, but Evan Grim came up big with yet another RSC goal to put the boys ahead 7-4. Aztecs scored once more, but time ran out and the RSC boys finished on top!
Coach Donlon had these thoughts on their undefeated weekend, “The boys demonstrated great poise and really played some beautiful soccer this weekend. Everyone contributed when they needed to and there was some amazing individual play that allowed for our boys to rise to the top. Their hard work in training and their ability to listen and to absorb what we have been working on, and what is essentially the RSC philosophy, really paid off. I am extremely impressed with what they are accomplishing in such a short time. I couldn’t be prouder of them!”
