CG-Belgium wins OT thriller

A rematch was just what the doctor ordered for the Cedar Grove-Belgium High School boys’ soccer team last week.

The No. 18-seeded Rockets had lost to No. 15-seeded Random Lake, 5-2, during the regular season on Oct. 3, but they knew the playoffs would be different.

The Rockets on Oct. 22 pulled out a 2-1 victory in overtime with both goals from Ashanti Olofintila.

“We were confident we could keep things closer the second time around after we moved Jeremy Garside back into his natural defensive role, as opposed to the first time we faced Random Lake. Plus one of our stronger attackers, Ashanti Olofintila, returned to the lineup, which would provide huge dividends,” coach Elias Garza said.

The game was tied, 1-1, at the end of regulation.

“With darkness looming we would head into two 10-minute overtimes,” Garza said.

Three minutes into the first, Olofintila scored to give the Rockets the lead.

“Despite a few nervous moments, we were able to withstand Random Lake’s pressure and secure the victory,” Garza said.

“I’m proud of these guys for playing inspired and supporting one another in the total team effort and well-earned result.”

The Rams took a 1-0 lead early on a Rockets’ defensive lapse.

Olofintila answered to tie the game before halftime.

The Rockets applied more pressure in the second half but couldn’t find the net, forcing the extra period. Last Thursday, the Rockets lost, 8-0, at No. 2-seeded University School of Milwaukee.

The Rockets finished with four victories on the season.