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When No. 6 South River forward Maximus Cerulla gathered a long ball played into him by defender Magnus Schauermann and took aim at the 12th-ranked Broadneck goal in the 14th minute of the Anne Arundel County boys soccer championship Monday night at Northeast High School, it turned out to be preview of an upcoming highlight for the No. 6 Seahawks.
”That was big, because you never know when you’re going to get another chance like that again,” Cerulla said.
Whereas his early rocket whipped over the goal, the senior star didn’t miss the next time a similar opportunity arose some eight minutes later.
Cerulla was redeemed after he streaked in from the right side, shook off a defender and slipped a shot off the hands of Broadneck keeper Matt Tettemer for a 1-0 advantage.
Tettemer earned some redemption of his own a minute later when he came off his line to thwart defender RJ Eubanks’ bid to double South River’s lead.
Other than a drive that drifted wide by Sam Myers and strong throws by Ben Durkin, the Bruins were not able to mount many challenges to the Seahawks’ backline.
In the second half, play favored South River (13-1-1) by an even wider margin.
The Seahawks scored twice, the first time after a direct kick by Cole Mastal that found fellow midfielder Seth Dorr for a header that rattled off the post and bounced back to midfielder Luca Evans for a finish and a 2-0 cushion in the 49th minute.
Less than four minutes later, Mastal found Cerulla all alone in front of the near post to up the margin to 3-0.
Having beaten the Bruins, 4-0, on their home pitch in Cape St. Claire a couple of weeks ago, the new Anne Arundel County champs’ performance was nearly as dominant as it was in the rivals’ second encounter.
Cerulla, who has produced 15 goals this season, said that he was more impressed with the Seahawks’ defense than the offense.
South River coach Marlyn Argueta agreed, pointing to the 11th shutout on the season for the backline led by Eubanks, Will Gervase and Jack Brusse playing in front of goalie Jay Jenkins.
”That was just another day in the office for our defense,” Argueta added.
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A third meeting is slated for Friday between the teams in the second round of the playoffs, which will test the theory of how difficult it is to beat a rival three times in the same season.
Argueta said that he knows the Bruins will be well prepared for the rematch.
”Coach (Sean) Tettemer will have them ready, that’s for sure,” Argueta said. “But our kids will be ready, too.”
With Cerulla leading the charge in the offensive third, the Seahawks enter the postseason on a high note.
”He’s been doing that all season,” Argueta said. “He scores big goals in big moments.”
ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY BOYS SOCCER CHAMPIONSHIP
(AT NORTHEAST HIGH SCHOOL)
NO. 6 SOUTH RIVER 3, NO. 12 BROADNECK 0
Broadneck 0 0 — 0
South River 1 2 — 3
Goals: SR-Maximus Cerulla 2; Luca Evans
Assist: SR-Cole Mastal
Saves: B-Matt Tettemer 6, Jackson Shaw 2; SR-Jay Jenkins 5, Jay Putcha 1
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