2024 Metro Soccer Championship wraps up

The Metro Soccer Championship Tournament wrapped up last week, and the results were a mix of success and disappointment for the Cleveland High School and Rio Rancho High School boys and girls soccer teams.

The RRHS boys finished first in the “Bronze Bracket,” while the Rams girls finished fourth in the “Silver Bracket.”

The CHS boys fell in the “Bronze Bracket” final to their hometown rival Rams and finished in second place. The Cleveland Storm girls found the most success on the pitch, finishing in fourth place in the “Gold Bracket.”

Day-to-day game breakdown

All matches took place at the APS Soccer Complex from Sept. 3-6.

Sept. 3 – Day One

Girls Silver Bracket

CIBOLA 1, RIO RANCHO 0

The Rams took a tough loss to Cibola on the first day of the tournament, 1-0. It wasn’t for lack of trying however, as RRHS put plenty of shots on target, but Cibola keeper, freshman Smantha Tafoya, proved impassable, garnering eight saves before being relieved in the 74th minute by senior Jordan Aguilar, who made a save herself.

Sept. 4 – Day Two

Girls Gold Bracket

LA CUEVA 6, CLEVELAND 0

It was a tough night for the Storm as they dropped their first Gold Bracket match to a juggernaut La Cueva Bears team. Bears seniors Leah Barone and Makayla Chavez each scored two goals (called a “brace”). Barone also had an assist to add to her tally.

Boys Bronze Bracket

RIO RANCHO 3, VOLCANO 1

The RRHS boys soccer team easily handled the Volcano Vista Hawks, winning their first game of the Knockout Stage 3-1. Volcano has struggled since they had a pair of draws to open their season (at Santa Fe Aug. 22 and vs Sandia Prep Aug. 24), but they’ve developed a reputation for tough, physical play. Despite the Hawks' hard play and second-half goal, the Rams used their precision play to out-maneuver their opponent once again.

CLEVELAND 3, HIGHLAND 0

The CHS boys soccer team had a big night in the first round of the Bronze Bracket Knockout Stage, beating the Highland Hornets 3-1. The Storm underclassmen stepped up with sophomores William McNamara and Denym Lodge scoring two of the game's goals. Sophomore Erick Andrade had two shots, but neither found the mark. However, he did come away with two assists to add to the Storm’s impressive 10th-grade contributions. The third goal came from junior Ethan Hendricks.

Sept. 5 – Day Three

Girls Silver Bracket

SANDIA 2, RIO RANCHO 2 (Sandia wins on PKs: 4-2)

The Rams suffered another heartbreaker against Sandia in a well-fought affair that left both teams in a stalemate at the half. Despite some nice shots, crosses, a couple breakaways, neither team could score.

However, the second half brought fireworks as four goals were scored.

At first, the Rams looked like they might run away with the lead as junior Kieara Trujillo-Garcia displayed her killer instinct and scored two consecutive goals. The most impressive Rams goal of the night was a six-touch sequence that started in their own backfield and ended with a through ball that came from eighth grader Taylor Roskos.

Sandia senior Audri Wright took advantage of a great look near the box and launched a ball to the top part of the net. Then, junior Harmony Rodriguez was able to break free, score and send the game to extra time. During extra time, both teams had good looks and great possessions, but neither could sink it. The game advanced to a penalty kick shootout that Sandia eventually won 4-2.

Sept. 6 – Day Four

Girls Gold Bracket

ELDORADO 2, CLEVELAND 1

Cleveland gave a valiant effort, but Eldorado’s potent offense was just too much too handle. Eldorado’s Emma Gurule could not be stopped. She scored both of Eldorado’s goals; one was assisted by her sister Gianna Gurule. Eldorado has now scored 19 goals on the season to Cleveland’s eight.

Boys Bronze Bracket

RIO RANCHO 2, CLEVELAND 1 (2OT)

A Rio Rancho civil war broke out in the “Bronze Bracket” championship as the Storm and Rams faced off. Neither side wanted to give up any ground, but both managed to find the back of the net in the second half. However, it took two overtimes before Rio managed to score one more and take the title. Cleveland’s goal was scored by senior Austin Clark.