Rams advance to the state semifinals

Rio Rancho 3, Atrisco 0

RIO RANCHO — The Rio Rancho Rams (17-3-1) are moving on to the state semifinals as they defeated Atrisco Heritage Academy (14-5-2) at home on Nov. 1.

“We have been working so hard all year, and trying to find chemistry and trying to keep our consistency. When it came time for a big game, big guys stepped up big, and I love that,” RRHS head coach John Shepard said.

Striking first for the Rams was senior midfielder Sean Meserve, who scored in the fifth minute, which would be the only score for almost 70 minutes.

During that time, both teams played fast and physical, and the referees had to stop the game multiple times to settle minor conflicts. At one point, the crowds for both teams were given a warning about sportsmanship conduct by the referee crew.

Having a brilliant game was RRHS junior goalkeeper Kenneth Graves, who made a ton of saves, leading to the Rams' ninth shutout of the season.

Credit for the shutout also goes to the Rams' defensive discipline as players contained rather than "stabbing" for possession of the ball.

Sean Meserve was injured in the middle of the first, although he was able to return in the second half.

The stalemate ended in the 73rd minute when Aaron Meserve took a powerful shot that ended up in the back of the net. He was momentarily injured but looked to be OK at the conclusion of the game.

As the game approached the final whistle, senior winger Santiago Cervantes was able to add some extra insurance for the Rams by scoring the final goal of the night in the 79th minute.

The Rams' next match up will be against the La Cueva Bears (16-1-3) at the APS Sports Complex (field 1) on Nov. 6. The winner of the match up will advance to the state championship.

Rio Rancho seniors

Each senior was asked, "What has it meant to put on the Rio Rancho uniform all these years?"

Aaron Meserve, striker

“Basically, just showing respect to everyone and playing ball."

Julian Sanchez, right back defender

“Respect and sportsmanship."

Bryson Strohecker, forward

“It just means to go out there and play your best.”

Sean Meserve, midfielder

“Ball out!”

Mateo Dean, winger

“Show respect to every player; play the best you can.”

Santiago Cervantes, winger

“Just go out there everyday and try and win and do your best on each day no matter how down you are.”

Nathan Freund, center back

“Just go out there, and do your best, and do everything you can.”