Sophomore Eric Grom scored two goals, including one just three minutes into the match, to lead Rogers Heritage to a 3-1 win over Edmond (Okla.) Santa Fe to win the Stillwater Cup on Saturday.
Grom’s early goal came after the sophomore stole the ball and gave Heritage (12-0) early momentum, Heritage coach Craig Frank said.
“It really put them back on their heels,” Frank said. “ They haven’t lost much.”
The War Eagles added a second goal right before halftime for a 2-0 lead. Senior Diego Santillian rocketed a shot off the post and into the goal in the 38th minute off a feed from Brian Banuelos.
Heritage pushed its lead to 3-0 when Juan Hernandez sent the ball to space and Grom banged in another goal. Edmond Santa Fe scored its lone goal on a penalty kick with five minutes left in the match.
Frank said the match was very even as Heritage outshot Santa Fe 14-11 for the match and 8-5 in the first half. Frank also lauded the play of keeper Javier Piedra. It’s the second tournament title for the War Eagles, who also won the Texarkana Razorback Classic earlier this season. But the competition was a little bit tougher this weekend, Frank said.
“Javier just stood on his head,” Frank said. “He was absolutely dominant. Both the opponents were played were quality. But this win in the finals was probably one of the biggest wins we’ve ever had. The guys are flying high at this point. We came out of this tournament healthy which is another key factor.”
The War Eagles reached the finals with a 2-0 win over the host team earlier in the day. Banuelos had a goal and an assist. Santillian scored off a feed from Banuelos, while Juan Hernandez fed Banuelos for a second-half goal. Piedra also had five saves in the shutout.