Creed Macaluso Strikes Twice as Coal City Ends Rochester's Season -

What a year it has been for the Rochester Rockets. After finishing the regular season with a 4-12-3 record, the Rockets battled their way through the postseason, putting together an incredible run that earned them a trip to the Super-Sectional against a talented Coal City team.

Rochester came out aggressive, sending several balls over the top in hopes of finding the back of the net. However, with 18 minutes remaining in the first half, Coal City’s Carter Hollis took matters into his own hands, finding the back of the net to give the Coalers a 1-0 lead.

Not long after, Creed Macaluso took on a defender down the left side and slotted home another goal to extend Coal City’s advantage to 2-0 heading into halftime.

The Rockets weren’t ready to call it a night. Just two minutes into the second half, John Keller found the back of the net to cut the deficit to 2-1 and give Rochester new life.

Rochester continued to battle, creating opportunities and putting pressure on the Coal City defense, but couldn’t find the equalizer. Late in the second half, Macaluso struck again, connecting on a one-timer to push the Coalers’ lead to 3-1.

Rochester still had opportunities, including a chance for No. 22 Levi Bialas with an open look at the net, but the Rockets couldn’t capitalize.

The final whistle brought Rochester’s postseason run to an end with a 3-1 loss to Coal City.

While the scoreboard didn’t go Rochester’s way, this team has plenty to be proud of. A 4-12-3 regular season turned into a remarkable postseason journey, a Sectional Championship, and a trip to the Super-Sectional.

What a run by the Rockets. Rochester soccer has given its community plenty to celebrate, and this season is one they won’t soon forget.