RR boys soccer drops extra time heartbreaker in home opener

RIO RANCHO — Just a week ago, Rio Rancho High School senior Tanner Groves spoke on the thrill and excitement of playing in the APS Metro Tournament.

“But as always, all games are awesome and a blessing to be in,” Groves said.

But with the tournament in the books after the Rams’ fourth-place finish, Rio Rancho has transported that energy from APS Complex to RRHS Stadium.

In a thrilling back-and-forth battle, the Rams fell short to undefeated Capital High School out of Santa Fe in overtime, 3-2.

In a very competitive match between two great teams, Rio Rancho’s second-half push to come back from down 1-0 was silenced with a Jaguars’ goal in the final 10 minutes of the match, later scoring in extra time to finish it.

Capital caught the Rams off guard in the opening minutes with an early goal from Josue Arreloa, which was the only damage in the first half. There were a lot of chances for both sides, but nothing to show for it.

Rio Rancho generated a lot of corner kicks and free kicks in the Jaguars’ end but could not put up enough quality shots on net. For Capital, their runs and counterattacks were tough for the Rams to keep up with, but they had no more goals to show for it.

This includes a couple of shots just wide left or wide right, including Jags’ senior Darian Monge, who dribbled past goalkeeper Brayden Griego for a wide-open net … but missed it off the right post.

While the scoreboard displayed a standstill between the two teams, it did not feel like it was on the turf. Both teams played with tempo and high energy, a true battle right from kickoff.

While Capital ran the pitch in the first, the Rams flipped the script in the second half and came out blazing. Groves made an impressive run just minutes into the half, sneaking one past Capital goalkeeper Dariel Monge for the equalizer.

Almost 20 minutes later, Rams senior Jude Duran broke loose behind the Jaguars’ backline and squeezed one by Monge in a one-on-one. The crowd erupted, as Rio Rancho now had its first lead of the match.

The Rams had the lead in hand, but it wouldn’t be easy getting to the finish line. Capital wasn’t backing down, and Head Coach John Shepard knew that. He called out to his team not to play conservatively, to play the ball up and not retreat.

It was all going according to plan until there were five minutes left ahead of stoppage time.

In the waning moments of the match, Darian Monge, who had been off the mark by mere inches several times on the day, finally cashed in to tie things up 2-2.

Full-time, 2-2. Bonus soccer it is.

Speaking of mere inches, in the opening minutes of the extra period, Rams’ junior Daniel Lovato delivered what should have been the finishing blow. A howling kick from distance was headed to the top right corner, but Dariel Monge delivered a Superman-esque save that extended the match and the Jaguars’ chances.

Moments later, Darian would not be denied again. Capital’s star forward delivered his second goal of the match and the victory for the Jags, scaring off danger and moving them to 6-0 on the year.

For Rio Rancho, now 4-3-1, they will look ahead to a road trip to Los Alamos before starting district play the following week.

The Rams and Hilltoppers are set for a 5 p.m. kick on Tuesday, Sep 16.