Edwin Martinez netted the golden goal in the 82nd minute and the Warriors pulled out a 2-1 overtime triumph against Evergreen League rival Forks in a Class 1A District 4 elimination game on Tuesday night at home.
It gives Rochester (13-6) two chances to clinch a spot in the state tournament. The first opportunity comes on Thursday against another league foe in Raymond/South Bend, who won the two meetings in the regular season.
“After today's game, they realize how close they are,” Warriors head coach Matt Ashton said. “A lot of them are looking forward to playing them again. Hopefully the results are different.”
After a scoreless opening 40 minutes, the Spartans lit up the scoreboard in the 60th minute to strike first. Nansok Johnson found the equalizer for Rochester five minutes later, cutting inside and firing a shot into the back of the net.
Martinez proceeded to send the Warriors into a frenzy early in the first OT period.
“We didn’t play a great game, but a win is a win,” Ashton said.
