The Lightening Strikes Back

RIO RANCHO — On Oct. 25, the Cleveland Storm boy's soccer team (11-7-2) defeated the Rio Rancho Rams (16-3-1) on their senior night Oct. 25.

The final: Cleveland 4, Rio Rancho 2.

"It's a dream come true beating the rivals. You know how it is. They beat us at home and it sucked, but it's senior night for them, and we won four-two," midfielder Erick Andrade said.

This is the third matchup between the rival squads (Rio Rancho won the first two matchups), and Cleveland's win couldn't have come at a better time.

Because of the Storm victory, head coach Shaun Gill's squad was able to qualify for the state tournament as the 12th seed.

"They played with a lot of heart, with a lot of effort, and they worked together, worked hard, and they got the result they wanted," Gill said. "Probably the best full game of soccer that this group has played all year."

Cleveland was able to get the bid for state over Santa Fe High School and Organ Mountain.

Having himself a night to remember was senior Isaiah Parrish, who scored two big-time goals.

"It feels really good," Parrish said. "We're not going to slow down, we're going for the trophy!"

Parrish's first goal was a "tap-in," and his second goal was a header from a set piece.

Also, scoring for the Storm were midfielders Austin Clark and William McNamara.

The Rams were able to score a couple goals, and both came from striker Bryson Strohecker, who finished the regular season with 17 goals.

RRHS honored their senior soccer players with special presentations and food after the game. RRHS players were seen hugging and thanking all the staff and parents who helped set up food and goodie bags.

Despite the loss, the Rams were already a shoe-in for the state tournament and have clinched the third seed which includes a first-round bye.

In the first round, Cleveland will take on the fifth seed Rio Grande Ravens (16-3-1) at 3:30 p.m. Oct. 29.

*The Observer will interview and highlight each RRHS senior in the their next game