Cleveland Middle Wins 2-1 Over Eagles: Eagles Stand at 7-1
Cleveland, TN -- 4/16/24 -- The RMS Eagles traveled to the Cleveland Raiders on Tuesday, April 16th, in beautiful 80-degree weather, the first high of the season so far. The Eagles were coming off 2 weeks of games being canceled or forfeited on them, but they still came to play to defend their undefeated season so far. JV started off the 2 game series with a tie of 2-2, Gavin McCosh and Exar Vasquez Diaz both scoring beautiful goals in the JV game. JV's record now stands at 6-0-1. Varsity followed next which saw a lot of action with drives and shots on both ends but ended in a scoreless tie on both ends at halftime. The second half saw a flurry of activity on goal, with both teams scoring their goals all within 3 minutes of each other. The 22nd minute saw Zane Shaffer have a beautiful drive down on the right side of the field with a cross into the middle, which Ian Arnold collected and buried into the back of the net, up 1-0. The Raiders quickly retaliated with a drive up through the middle and a lone ball that crossed into the far right side of the field, where it was collected and shot, just out of reach of Ethan Nelson’s hands, tied 1-1 in the 21st minute. The Raiders again kept up the pressure, with a foul being called inside the Eagle’s 18 box in the 19th minute, so a PK was awarded. RMS goalie phenomenon, Nelson, had a diving save on the PK, but unfortunately, the Raiders ran in and managed to collect the rebound and put it in the back of the net, score of 2-1. The Eagles kept driving, trying to tie up the score again, but the Raiders kept up their physical game, earning a yellow card with about 10 minutes left. Despite grinding and working hard, the Eagles ended in a loss, a final score of 2-1.
Eagles record now stands at 7-1, same as the Raiders, so goal differentials of the season will determine first place finish. RMS faces off in their last game of the regular season at Lake Forest on Friday, April 19th, at 5pm. Playoffs will begin next week, and 8th grade recognition is scheduled for the first playoff game at home as well, either next Monday, the 22nd, or Tuesday, the 23rd.
Eagles traveled to Ooltewah High School, Tuesday, April 17th. JV lost, and so did the Varsity, llost 1-0. The Eagle’s record is now 6-5-1, and they play at home next week on Tuesday, April 23rd, vs. Cumberland County: Varsity at 6pm; JV at 7:30pm. Friday, April 26th, will be senior night and will be played against McMinn at 7pm, Varsity only, with senior recognition to follow the game.
