One step closer to 'Hammer Time:' Rams top Cleveland in a classic

RIO RANCHO — The Rio Rancho Rams (13-2) and Cleveland Storm (8-6-1) soccer teams clashed under the bright lights of Lightning Bolt Stadium Oct. 9. The final: Rio Rancho 1 (Strohecker 32'), Cleveland 0.

"Credit to Cleveland. Man, that was a tough, tough battle," Rio Rancho head coach John "Shep" Shepard said. "They have improved so much since the last time that we saw them. It's always a dog fight when it's a rivalry game."

The red-hot Rams move one step closer to claiming the "CHS-RRHS Rivalry Hammer Trophy," which will go to the victor of their rematch Oct. 25.

Before the game started, the referees were celebrated by both teams and given a gift to show appreciation for their tough job.

It was an instant classic — a gritty game — from start to finish.

As soon as the main referee's whistle blew, it was on. Communication, urgency, passion, it was all there. All players on the field played a physical, smart and fast brand of soccer.

There was a bit of "talk" between opposing players, but at the end of the game, those players had friendly chats.

Possession was downright 50/50 all night, and while Rio Rancho had more shots on goal, each team had their fair share of opportunities. Cleveland's Austin Clark and Rio Rancho's Sean Meserve were the facilitators in the middle of the field for their respective teams. Both played great defense, sent great passes and crosses, and made some great tackles.

"I thought we played well. We played with a lot of heart ... they got the one through-ball, but other than that I am proud of how we played," Cleveland head coach Shaun Gill said.

The difference of the game ended up being Rio Rancho forward Bryson Strohecker, who displayed some serious speed on an offensive breakaway late in the first half.

On the play, Strohecker sprinted past defenders to track a highball that was sailing in Cleveland's backfield. As Strohecker raced to possess the ball, Cleveland goalkeeper Joaquin Armijo raced to the ball that was just outside of the box, but Strohecker got there first and got the shot off. Strohecker scored the lone goal of the night.

"I saw open space, took off. Got scared — won't lie — because the ball went to my left foot. Once I hit it and saw it go in: Adrenaline!" Strohecker said.

Despite the goal, Armijo played admirably. The perennial all-state keeper had three big time saves on three "sure goals." The most impressive save came on an open shot by Rio Rancho's stud freshman Dashon Bynum.

After Strohecker scored the goal, he made the signature "Storm Bolt" with his hands and smashed it with his knee.

"Since I've been here ... it's always been a battle between both sides," Strohecker said. "I have either played with, or have known for a really long time, like half of their team."

Strohecker now has 10 goals on the season and is the second Ram player to reach double digits in goals. Senior Aaron Meserve is the other Ram goal scorer to reach double digits this season (16).

This was the 33rd matchup all-time for both squads. The Rams lead the series with 16 wins, Cleveland has won 11 times, and on six occasions they tied.

The Rams are on a 11-game winning streak and will play their next game in Farmington against the Farmington Scorpions (4-11) Oct. 12. Cleveland will look to bounce back at home against long-time district foe Cibola (2-12) Oct. 12.