By RYAN ARENA

L’Observateur

RESERVE — St. Charles held off a challenge from a game Riverside bunch on Thursday night to move to 2-0 in district play, topping the Rebels 1-0 at Riverside.

Alex Rome’s second half goal lifted the Comets (4-8-2, 2-0) out of a deadlock 0-0 tie and into the lead in a matchup that has been one-sided in recent years, but was spirited and competitive on Thursday.

“They came out hard, but we were ready,” Rome said.

Said St. Charles coach Bill Ballard: “(Riverside) is good. We knew it would be tough. But I told my guys, we’ve played a lot of good teams this year. This is another one. Let’s play this one like we’ve played the rest.”

Rome’s goal came after a Comets shot was deflected by diving Rebel goalkeeper Beau Gaudet. Before Gaudet could gather himself, Rome was able to score from short range on his follow attempt.

“It was all set up by Andre St. Martin,” said Rome. “I just followed the shot, like we practice.”

Said Riverside coach Stephen Millet: “The ball got to the backside, where (Rome) was standing free, and they got us.”

With less than 15 minutes left, SCC just missed on a chance to make it 2-0 when Matt Graves cleared out a ball bouncing in front of an opening in the net.

Riverside’s best – and last – chance to respond and tie things up came with less than two minutes left. Martin Flassenburg’s shot attempt went high of the goal, and a short time later the official’s final whistles were sounded.

“I thought we played gutsy, and with a lot of heart,” said Millet. “I wish we could have created some more chances for ourselves. We got it up the field nicely, but when it came to being creative at the offensive end, that’s where we fell short.”

Riverside moved to 4-6-2 on the season, with an 1-2 mark in district play.

For the Comets, a tough start to the season in non-district play may be becoming more of a distant memory.

“It’s a new season, starting right now,” said Rome.

ST. CHARLES 6, HOUMA CHRISTIAN 0 – The Comet began district play on Tuesday with a convincing victory over Houma Christian.

Andre St. Martin scored two goals to lead SCC. Daniel Ballard, Brett Landry, Paul Cupit and Klay Olasin all scored for the Comets.

SCC led 2-0 at halftime.

E.D. WHITE 4, RIVERSIDE 1 – The Rebels also played a district contest on Tuesday, falling to E.D. White.

Evan Pousson scored the lone goal for Riverside.