The Rochester Adams men’s soccer (RAMS) played its final league game Tuesday September 24th against Troy Athens, starting its final preparations before the playoffs. The “2019” RAMS season has had plenty of ups and downs, struggling to find the correct rhythm it needed to succeed as it had in prior years. Beginning the season with a rough couple of games, RAMS quickly turned that around with the help of foreign exchange student Bruno Escobar, and despite its record, RAMS has been playing its best soccer of the season rolling into the playoffs with an impressive win over Bloomfield. 

Ranked #11 in the state, Bloomfield looked as if it had an easy game ahead of it after beating Rochester and tying Troy Athens; both top ranked teams in the state. RAMS had a different outlook on the game. 

Quickly setting the pace, senior Charlie Bass scored one off of his head from a corner assisted by Jack Wardle in the early minutes of the first half. The team wasn’t done yet, impressive footwork followed by a hard shot, Bruno Escobar put the team up another goal making it 2-0. Late in the second half, Merrick Delvin would cap off the win with a long shot from 30 yards out, adding up to a 3-0 win. Charlie Bass and Ethan Maxwell also played a fantastic game not letting in a single goal against.

“It was a Saturday game, so we had to get focused up in the locker room. Also, scoring first in the game really set the tone for how we needed to finish the game out,” said senior and four-year varsity player Charlie Bass.

After an impressive 3-0 win against Bloomfield on Saturday September 21st , RAMS rolled into Rochester High School with high hopes. Returning varsity player Jack Wardle was injured 15 minutes into the first half, and a two-goal deficit was not the way RAMS wanted to start the game. The team bounced back with one of its best halves of the season. 

With relentless attack and ball control, the team managed to put one in the back of the net. The goal was scored by Merrick Delvin with about 20 minutes left in the game, which gave the team some momentum for the comeback. 

It would not be enough though: Rochester High School managed to prevail and take the win despite a tremendous effort by RAMS. Its determination in the second half showed a glimpse of what they have in store for playoffs.

“The boys came to play tonight, but unfortunately we couldn’t come away with a win. Lots of season left to play. Good momentum going into the playoffs,” said senior David Dinoto.

Marking the first game of the playoffs RAMS face off against cross-town rival Rochester High School on Wednesday, October 9th at 7:00 pm. The game will be held at Rochester High School.

Update:

RAMS won its first playoff game against Rochester 2-0 and went on to win the next two games clinching the district title. Sadly, the following game, RAMS season came to an end against Chippewa Valley in overtime.