[heading]Rock Bridge 4, Jefferson City 0[/heading]

Despite the chilly weather, the boys soccer team continued to bring the heat as they took on rival Jefferson City at the Class 4 sectional at home Nov. 12. The stands were filled with bundled up RBHS fans supporting the team.  Trying not to disappoint the crowd that had braved the elements, the Bruins, after a slow start, finished strong and took home a 4-0 win.  

Senior Bailey Goyette said the team went in to the game ready for a challenge against the Jays and worked hard to illustrate their ability to defeat.

“We had a game plan going in and we executed it on all fronts,” Goyette said. “We truly were a cohesive unit tonight and it shows on the scoreboard. Don’t be fooled; Jeff City is a very good soccer team.”

The boys kept in mind the difficulty that would come with playing Jefferson City from past experience, including a narrow 1-0 victory against the Jays in October. Yet the Bruins continued to be optimistic and made sure to prepare. RBHS worked as a team to get the job done and showcased hard work.

“It’s always been a tough game for us the past couple years with Jeff City so taking them on at our home field and winning made it that much more special,” senior Cooper Smith said. “They were a really good team this year and I think we prepped very well for them. We stayed focused throughout the week and during the game to get done what we needed to get done.”

The scoring started as senior Tyler Siegle made RBHS’s  first goal with an assist from sophomore Tarnue Tyler. Also assisting with the second goal was Tarnue, who put the ball in the air off of a corner kick. The well placed ball came down in the box off the head of senior Salim Gumati resulting in his first goal of the evening.

“It was a great relief to win tonight. Jeff City is always a dangerous team to go up against and we were working hard to be able to win this game,” Gumati said. “Especially since as long as I can remember, games between RB and Jeff City have been 1-0.”

Tyler and Gumati continued on a roll as they converted another corner kick with Gumati, sending in the Bruins’ third goal. With Tyler having three assists on the evening, the game concluded with an assist from Goyette to Tyler, who put the ball in the back of the net to extend the RBHS lead.

The Bruins were glad to take home a win over yet another rival, but realize it’s not all over yet. They will now advance to the Class 3 quarterfinals this Saturday to play Glendale.

“We really came out tonight and showed everyone what RBHS soccer is about,” junior Cooper Kaufman said. “We made a statement but we’re not done yet. We still have work to do.”
By Molly Mehle
The Bruins will play host to Glendale High School this Saturday at Sells Family Field. Rock Bridge will look to advance to their fourth straight Final Four.