In a tightly fought match, No. 12 Randolph edged out No. 6 Rahway 1-0 in the NJSIAA state semifinals on Tuesday, Nov. 19. The win sends the Rams to the Group 3 state final for the first time since 1996.

“We knew we wanted to go out and give everything we had because we didn’t know if it would be our last game or not,” junior co-captain RJ Dougherty said. “We knew we could beat them; it was a matter of executing.”

Randolph started the game with a lot of energy and put plenty of pressure on Rahway, but Rahway matched the Rams’ energy as the two teams traded blows.

Randolph managed to win a couple of corners and created several promising opportunities in the attack. However, Rahway’s defensive unit remained solid, neutralizing the Rams’ efforts to find the back of the net.

Conversely, the back line of senior co-captain Jayden DeCarvalho, senior Jack Lachanski and junior Jake Rubin closed any spaces and prevented breakthroughs.

“We were able to shut down their attack by staying compact and defending as a team, not as individuals,” Rubin said. “Communication is also a key part of our defense, and that starts with Gavin in goal.”

Junior goalie Gavin Vichengrad made incredible saves, diving expertly to deny Rahway’s best chances and keep the shutout intact.

Though both teams had lots of shots on goal, none made it to the back of the net, and the half ended with a 0-0 score.

As the second half commenced, the boys came out with renewed energy and determination. They dominated in possession and showed good teamwork.

Sophomore Andrei Nitulescu had a great run down the middle in the 48^th minute, but Rahway defenders closed in just before he was able to capitalize.

The long and hard fought second half turned out to be scoreless, sending the game into overtime.

Overtime didn’t see much action, as both teams opted for a defensive approach. Neither team could find the winner, so the game went into double overtime.

The Rams persevered, however, and with 15 seconds left in the second overtime, Randolph earned a throw-in near the box.

Nitulescu gave a long throw that created a chaotic scenario on the field, with players scrambling for the ball. It eventually landed with junior Jared Goldschmidt, as he laid it off for senior David Martinez, who rifled the shot into the back of the net, winning the game for Randolph.

“It was an amazing feeling,” Martinez mentioned. “But we still have one more game left, so we can’t get too excited.”

The Rams will compete to win the NJSIAA Group 3 state final against Shawnee tomorrow, Sunday, Nov. 24, at 10:00 a.m. at Franklin High School in Somerset.