The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Bay boys advance to state title match
For the third time in four seasons, Rockets to play for state championship
The Bay Rockets have done it again.
For the third time in four seasons, the Rockets will travel to Columbus for the Division II state final after a 2-1 win over Aurora Nov. 8 in Strongsville.
The Rockets (17-4-1) have won a school-record 16 in a row and face the top-ranked Columbus St. Francis DeSales (21-0-1) Nov. 11 at MAPFRE Stadium at 1 p.m.
For two teams that presented strong defensive third attacks, a low scoring affair was no surprise.
Bay goalkeeper Brent Hull made the biggest save of the
night, stopping a back kick cold in the fifth minute, breeding confidence in the Rockets. After a scoreless first half in which neither team controlled possession, Bay got on the board three minutes into the second half after junior forward Cade Gergye got tripped, leading to a 12-yard penalty kick goal from sophomore midfielder Kyle Cusimano. In the 49th minute,
senior forward Noah Beck got an easy goal from the top of the box, thanks to a pass from sophomore midfielder Nico Saiz to take a commanding 2-0 lead.
Aurora, in desperation mode, applied offensive pressure and drew a handball foul on Bay, leading to a penalty kick goal from Nate Malinowski in the 59th minute.
But the Rockets’ defense was stifling, allowing only four shots on goal, led by senior centerback Sam Nortz.
“We did a really good job of keeping the ball and we didn’t let them run through the middle,” Nortz said. “We didn’t let them get too many shots off and stood our ground on defense. It was huge getting that first goal because it gives us the momentum and confidence to keep going forward. We left it all on the field.”
Bay had seven shots on goal, and its experience was obvious. Gergye, who will make his second state finals appearance and did a strong job possessing the ball in the middle, said he’s much more prepared this time around.
“Us having past experience playing in these big games was the difference,” Gergye said. “Our coach knows how to handle it. Aurora fought us hard. Jumping out to a lead was big, but our assistant coach Jeff Linhart was saying the next 10 minutes we had to push it because they’re bringing it hard. We brought it the next 10 minutes and got another one.”
Bay coach Bobby Dougherty, who will make his fifth state final appearance, was wary of the challenges presented by an Aurora team that entered allowing three goals in the postseason.
But the confidence in his veteran-laden group never cracked.
“We talked about it with the boys that the scouting report kind of held true,” Dougherty said. “(Aurora is) big and strong. No. 12 was an animal in the middle of the park, find him and they play off to No. 41. If we controlled him, then we can kind of control them coming out.
“Things settled down and we had the better 20 minutes in the first half. In the second half, we said we’ve got to numbers in. Nico’s ball to Noah was unbelievable and was about a clean of a touch as you get. It was his second start, period. For the most part, we did what we needed to do and we’re thrilled for this opportunity.”
Not only is it the third time in four years the Rockets will be in the finals, but it will be the third time they face Columbus St. Francis DeSales.
“This is our seniors’ third finals appearance and hopefully we get over the hump,” Dougherty said.