Back to Back: Rio Grande repeats as RSC Men's Soccer Championship winner
RIO GRANDE, Ohio -- University Rio Grande (Ohio) pitched another shutout to make it back to back River States Conference Men's Soccer Championships. The No. 13-ranked NAIA squad and RSC No. 1 seed beat No. 3 Oakland City (Ind.) University, 3-0, at home on Saturday, Nov. 13.
Rio Grande improved to 16-2-1 overall and earned the RSC's automatic bid to the NAIA National Championship beginning next weekend. It is the second conference title in a row for the RedStorm, who have now won the RSC postseason championship six times in the last eight years.
Oakland City reached the finals for the second time in as many years since joining the conference. The Mighty Oaks were edged by Rio Grande, 2-1, in the previous conference finals, which took place in April 2021. Oakland City ended the year with a record of 12-6-1 overall.
Rio Grande took control with a 2-0 lead at the half on Saturday. The RedStorm got on the board in the 14th minute on a goal by Benjamin Cam Orrellana. He took a cross from the right side from Gabriel Silva.
The RedStorm doubled the lead with Samuel Pederson's goal at the 38th minute. Fernando Alvarez provided the assist after finding Pederson at the middle of the 18-yard line.
Rio Grande put the game away in the 85th minute when Nicolas Cam Orrellana knocked in a loose ball.
Rio Grande had control of the game with an 22-5 advantage in shots, including 13-1 in shots on goal. Oakland City's Damiano Risi made 10 saves. Daniel Merino made one save for Rio Grande.
Rio Grande will learned its NAIA National Championship pairing during the selection show on Monday.