Rummel Advances to Semifinals with Goalkeeping Duo’s Shutout Victory
Rummel High School’s soccer team secured a decisive 2-0 victory over the No. 1 seeded Holy Cross in the LHSAA Division II state quarterfinals on Monday. The win propels the Raiders to the semifinals for the first time since 2023. A unique goalkeeping strategy featuring shared playing time for seniors Ryan McDonald and Sebastian O’Brien proved pivotal in stifling the two-time defending state champions. The No. 10 ranked Rummel squad now boasts a 19-6-5 record for the season.
The game plan entering the contest saw McDonald and O’Brien each designated to play one half in goal. This arrangement ultimately resulted in a combined effort that successfully neutralized a potent Holy Cross attack, which registered 21 shots and 10 corner kicks throughout the match. The aggressive play of Holy Cross, who entered the game with an 18-3-2 record, was consistently challenged by the Rummel defense and the steadfast goalkeeping.
Offensive Spark and Defensive Resilience
Jefferey Ayala, a senior for Rummel, opened the scoring just under three minutes into the match, powerfully striking the ball into the top right corner of the net. The goal was set up by a long, accurate crossing pass from fellow senior Kade Knobloch. Later in the contest, freshman Tiago Villatoro extended the lead, converting a well-placed pass from junior Dominic Norales to solidify the Raiders’ advantage.
Beyond the offensive contributions, Rummel’s defensive line played a crucial role in preserving the shutout. Senior defender Sidney Gaudet consistently cleared dangerous high balls within the penalty area, while freshman Miles Hernandez effectively disrupted scoring opportunities by clearing the ball out of bounds. A key save by junior Carlos Banegas, preventing a goal after a breakdown behind McDonald, further highlighted the team’s collective defensive commitment.
Goalkeeper Bond Fuels Success
The shared goalkeeping duties between McDonald and O’Brien have been a defining characteristic of the team for the past two seasons, fostering a strong camaraderie. “It’s been a bond between us, and a brotherhood, just being keepers,” O’Brien stated, emphasizing the supportive relationship. McDonald, who played the first half, aggressively challenged seven corner kicks, setting the tone for O’Brien’s equally assertive performance in the second half.
Coach Julio Paiz explained his decision to split playing time, stating, “I felt like the right thing to do was to give them both a half each.” McDonald recounted a chaotic moment where he was struck in the head, humorously noting, “It was either a dude or the ball, I couldn’t tell you.” O’Brien, observing McDonald’s aggressive corner kick play from the bench, mirrored that intensity when he took the field, aiming to challenge opponents on every aerial ball. Rummel will now face the winner of Tuesday’s quarterfinal matchup between No. 4 Prairieville and No. 5 Willow.
