The Randolph Boys Soccer team emerged victorious with a well-earned 2-1 win over Bergenfield on Tuesday, Nov. 12., sending the Rams to the state sectional final against Ramapo on Friday, Nov. 15.
At Tuesday’s game, the boys came out strong from the first whistle, showing energy and determination against Bergenfield. Both teams had their chances, and the ball went back and forth in possession. Despite all players’ efforts, the score remained locked at 0-0 by the end of the first half.
During halftime, the Rams refocused, determined to step up their intensity for the next half.
In the second half, Bergenfield scored first, putting them up 1-0 and raising the stakes for Randolph. Refusing to back down, the Rams responded with a goal of their own from junior co-captain RJ Dougherty, with a free kick assist from junior Jake Rubin. Junior Goalie Gavin Vichengrad made many saves throughout to keep Randolph in the game.
“We played as a team and, even after we went down a goal, we didn’t stop giving it our all,” Dougherty said.
With the score tied at 1-1, the game intensified, ultimately leading to a dramatic overtime showdown. Randolph was able to analyze and adjust to Bergenfield’s strategy and come out more motivated than ever. They played strong on defense, with senior co-captain Jayden DeCarvalho, Rubin and senior Jack Lachanski able to shut down any strikers that tried to make it past them.
Plays were made through the midfield by seniors Justin Quinones and David Martinez and junior Jared Goldschmidt. They controlled the tempo of the game and helped create opportunities at both ends of the field.
The Randolph midfielders’ coordination and quick passing helped break through Bergenfield’s defense. The Rams linked with the forwards to press for scoring opportunities and relied on defense for support.
After an intense back-and-forth battle, it was senior co-caption Bryan Garcia’s decisive goal that broke the tie, sending the team and fans into celebration mode.
Randolph faces Ramapo next, for the state sectional final, on Friday, Nov. 15.
