Rowland Hall gets its coveted victory

SANDY — Over the years — as it's pursued soccer excellence — Rowland Hall has gazed its eyes upward to one program: Waterford.

The tiny private school in Sandy has built up one of the most respected soccer programs in the state, and the Rowland Hall Winged Lions have dreamed — for a long time — about what it would feel like to beat the Ravens.

They don't have to dream anymore.

Talented sophomore Robbie Hull struck a golden goal in the 95th minute, and No. 2 Rowland Hall, behind a terrific team performance, emerged with a thrilling 3-2 double overtime win over top-ranked Waterford on Wednesday.

"Everyone stepped it up and played an awesome game — the whole team," said Hull.

Despite outplaying Waterford throughout the afternoon, Rowland Hall found itself on the verge of defeat when Matt Duke put the Ravens ahead 2-1 with four minutes to go. Instead of folding, however, the Winged Lions continued to press and to fight.

"I was hoping when it was 2-1 that I wouldn't have to go back to them and frame it (as), 'We outplayed them. We worked hard,'" said Rowland Hall coach Bobby Kennedy. "(Now) we can be thought of maybe — at least for one game — as somebody that can compete with Waterford.

"Whether it was going to be 2-1 them, 2-2, or 3-2 us, I just thought we outplayed 'em," added Kennedy. "And I just love the character of the guys."

After falling behind late, Rowland Hall created several chances. And Jim Trauba dramatically equalized when he swept home a Ben Weiler cross in the fourth minute of second-half stoppage time.

Both teams had scoring chances in overtime, but Hull won the game for the Winged Lions when his shot from the top of the 18-yard box whistled past Waterford's goalie.

Rowland Hall's players and coaches mobbed Hull — and each other — to celebrate the game-winner.

The late heroics capped what was a terrific overall performance by the Winged Lions. Up and down the roster, numerous players — from Hull to sweeper Donny White to forwards Jared Accettura and Alex Gardner — all came up big.

Hull put Rowland Hall ahead in the 15th minute before Chris Biscupovich equalized for Waterford in the 30th minute.

The Ravens played the second half without star midfielder Spencer Linsley — who has a possible meniscus tear — as well as others. Nonetheless, Waterford coach Bob Capener praised the performance of Rowland Hall.

"They're the real deal," he said.

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E-mail: drasmussen@desnews.com

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