Tough exit for Wolves
Rome’s quarterfinal match goes to Grady in shootout
Rome High boys’ soccer coach Chris Cochran knew the hand that was dealt to his team when its Elite Eight match came down to a shootout.
It was just last week when a 10-round penalty kick contest swung the Wolves’ way to give them a win in the opening round of the Class 5A state playoffs.
But on Saturday night, playing in front of a loyal crowd of supporters who withstood wind and rain at Barron Stadium, Rome came up on the losing end as Grady took the shootout 4-3 after neither team scored in full time or extra time. The 1-0 loss ends the Wolves’ postseason procession in the quarterfinals.
“We’ve made a lot of penalty kicks in games, and we won the first playoff game that way. But sometimes you can prepare for something and it just doesn’t fall your way,” Cochran said.
“The kids gave effort and they played hard all the way through the game. For some reason tonight we just could not get into the flow. That happens occasionally. You just don’t want it to happen to you in the playoffs.”
After both teams had exhausted their opportunities to try and put the ball in the net through 90 minutes of
play, the shootout started off well for Rome with Edgar Blanco and Carlos Jimenez matching Grady’s successful attempts. Alex Cornejo and Alex Sylverstuen both missed as their shots for Rome went off of one of the posts. Grady’s Cory Dillard made his attempt, as did Rome’s Angel Morente, knotting the tally at three each. Tyler Randall came up for Grady’s final attempt in the five-man set and was able to get it just over Rome keeper Grant Chambers for the deciding kick.
Cochran spoke to his kids after the game, many of them leaving the field with somber looks, and said he was proud of how that battled to try and get the team to the state semifinals for the first time in school history.
“It’s about the kids. We had a great crowd tonight supporting us, and we are so appreciative of everyone who did come out. It was one of the biggest soccer crowds we’ve had,” Cochran said. “I’m extremely proud of our boys. They are going to make a contribution to our world. It’s just a game at the end of the day.”
With only four seniors on the team, Cochran said he hope the 19 returning players can provide the foundation that will carry them even further.
Among those who will return is the entire midfield and defense, including Chambers, who made nine saves Saturday night.
“They were outstanding in this game, and they’ve been outstanding all year. They kept us in the game tonight,” Cochran said.
Rome finishes the season with a 125-1 record and came in second in Region 7-5A, defeating Chamblee and Region 1-5A champion Veterans in the first two rounds.