Rota's Alan Dowden, left, and Sigonella's Stewart Roberts fight for a ball during the DODDS-Europe boys Division IV soccer championship game that Rota won 1-0 in overtime. (Michael Abrams / S&S)
Rota's Alan Dowden, left, and Sigonella's Stewart Roberts fight for a ball during the DODDS-Europe boys Division IV soccer championship game that Rota won 1-0 in overtime. (Michael Abrams / S&S)
Rota's Kevin Mallen, center, celebrates his game-winning goal with teammates Jake Andrews, left, and Travis Apling. (Michael Abrams / S&S)
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany – Rota scored in the 99th minute Friday afternoon to take the Division IV boys soccer championship, beating Sigonella 1-0.
Rota’s Kevin Mallen got the lone score, emerging from a scrum to get a clean shot on goal. The junior admitted the score in the game’s second 10-minute overtime period wasn’t pretty.
"After the goal, it was just an explosion of excitement," Mallen said. "I’m just so happy after a long season and hard work that we pulled off the winning goal."
Following Mallen’s goal, the Admirals did indeed explode with excitement. Senior Alan Dowden received a yellow card shortly after the score apparently for excessive celebration.
A Rota player held the Spanish flag aloft at midfield after his team’s victory.
The win felt like three years of work finally paid off, said Rota head coach Tom Birch.
Birch praised the play of sweeper Ian Payne, whose nickname is "Son of Rambo," and his freshman goalkeeper Josh Lim. The Rota defense kept Sigonella scoreless despite several threats.
In the 30th minute, Sigonella’s Dave Rice missed a goal wide right. Five minutes later, Dowden got free on a breakaway but got clipped from behind. The Admirals were unable to make good on the ensuing free kick.
Five minutes into the second half, Sigonella’s Patrick Burke missed the goal high. In the game’s 58th minute, Dowden had another scoring opportunity. His shot hit the right outside netting of the goal. From the stands, it initially appeared as if the shot was good, causing fans to scream in delight.
In the game’s 85th minute, Dowden showed some nifty footwork in front of the net to get an open look, but he missed wide right.
Sigonella had a chance early in the first overtime when Timothy Frost got the ball to teammate Tyler Reed, who missed an open goal. Mallen finally scored in what proved to be the game’s final minute.
Mallen is a shy, quiet and respectful kid, according to his coach.
"It’s a great justice that he was the one that won the game for us," Birch said.
