Ringgold was given a sore reminder of recent WPIAL first-round playoff failures when they were pitted in a postseason rematch against Indiana.
A year ago, Indiana defeated Ringgold, 1-0, in overtime to knock the Rams out of the playoff field.
Ringgold, who has not been through to the second round since the 2015 season, was looking to take the game to Indiana.
It would not take long, as Eli Schoedel played a 1-2 to the feet of Kobe Norfleet and Norfleet put the Rams up 1-0 just a minute and half into the game. Ringgold’s Mason Fabean would make it 2-0 as he maneuvered past three Indiana defenders and slotted the ball into the far post. The rams kept the pressure going and Andrew Bottino would drive a cross into the 6 yard box and it would find the back of an Indiana defender and go in for the own goal and 3-0 lead for Ringgold that they would carry into halftime.
The second half saw both teams open up their play but neither team was creating any dangerous opportunities in the final third of the field. With just under 10 minutes left in the game Frank Lowstetter would play a long through ball from midfield to the sprinting Norfleet who got behind the defense and completed the brace with his second goal and a 4-0 lead. The game would come to a close and a final score of 4-0 in Ringgold’s favor.
Catching up @RinggoldSoccer Kobe Norfleet who had the brace on the night and Mason Fabean who had 1 goal. They share with me their thoughts on getting a little revenge. @PghSoccerScribe @pghsoccernow pic.twitter.com/8CO1RxKh6B
— Ed Rosensteel (@edrosensteel) October 23, 2018
Ringgold will take on Thomas Jefferson, Thursday October 25 at a site and time to be determined. TJ needed overtime to beat Blackhawk on Monday.
This will be a rematch from September 1st that saw TJ win 2-0 at the Canon-McMillan Tournament.