A split in RHS-REV soccer wars…
What a great double dose of Redlands-Redlands East Valley soccer at Friday’s culmination of the San Gorgonio Winter Classic.
The RHS girls prevailed in the early game, taking a 1-0 victory over the Wildcats to win the third-place trophy.
Junior forward Kloey Glass scored the winning goal in the 31st minute thanks to a perfect cross from junior midfielder Hannah Carroll.
After getting outplayed in the first half, the Wildcats were the aggressor in the second half. But all they could manage was two hit goal posts and one hit crossbar in defeat.
“We got a little love from the posts on our side,” remarked RHS head coach Jennifer Classen about REV's several close calls in the second half.
Carroll and RHS goalkeeper Charlene Roorda were named to the all-tournament team, while REV senior midfielder Erin Rhodes and junior goalkeeper Brittany Winegar earned all-tourney honors for REV.
On the boys’ side, the RHS-REV battle was a heated affair capped by a dramatic finish.
With the Wildcats clinging to a 2-1 lead and holding on for dear life after constant RHS pressure, RHS senior forward Chris Montgomery was tripped inside the goal box and the Terriers were rewarded a penalty kick – in stoppage time no less.
That set the stage for RHS standout sophomore forward Miles Byass to tie the game, but Byass’ kick was a tad high and hit the dead center of the cross bar, preserving REV’s victory as the final whistle was blown seconds after.
As Byass fell to the ground in agony, the Wildcats celebrated like champions - San Gorgonio Winter Classic champions that is.
REV senior midfielder Ryan Panzino, who scored the game winner just two minutes into the second half, was named MVP of the tournament.
All in all it was a great day for Redlands soccer with better news still in store.
There are still the RHS-REV Citrus Belt League games that will be played.
- For more about Friday’s games see Sunday’s Redlands Daily Facts