Missed chances cost Reading High boys soccer in United X League championship game

Apr. 10—Nelson Rivera stood at the center of Reservoir Stadium, the place they call The Pit, and admired the view.

Four varsity seasons came and went for Reading High's captain. The last was more unusual and trying than the rest.

Rivera loves this field. It's his soccer home.

"My favorite memory here is every day," the senior said with a smile. "I don't think there's any place like this in the county or maybe even the state."

Rivera hoped to turn his final day in a Red Knights uniform into a crowning achievement. It just didn't work out.

Norristown scored twice in the first half and held on to defeat Reading 2-1 in the United X League championship match at Hampden Park Saturday.

Reading, which opted out of the fall season and didn't put together its roster until February, fell one win short.

"Second place is not better than first," Rivera said. "But we came pretty close."

Rivera has spent countless hours at The Pit when there was no uniform and no one watching. He'd show up alone and text his friends. If they joined him, great. If not, he worked out anyway.

So many times Rivera fired shots through the goal after the net was removed. The ball bounced up the stone wall and he had to chase it down.

Rivera served as Reading's captain for two seasons. He contributed 17 career goals, including 10 this spring, and 24 assists.

"He comes every day and he's happy to be on the pitch," coach Mike Cahn said. "There's always a smile on his face. It's like having another coach out there. He wants what's best for the team."

Reading nearly recovered from a 2-0 halftime deficit.

Gotti Serrano, a future star for the Red Knights, put home his fourth goal with 26 minutes left. Despite some pressure in the final minutes, there was no equalizer.

There were several sequences in the first half when Reading had Norristown on its heels and peppered the net. That included a rocket shot from Rivera that hit the post.

"We had so many chances," Cahn said. "I want to win more than anybody. I'm a poor sport. I hate losing. But you can't be upset about a game like this. I thought we played our butts off."

A bounce or a break was all that was missing for Reading. It never came.

After the field was cleared and everyone headed home, Rivera waited for fellow seniors Jair Duran and Eddie Campos. The three put their arms around each other and walked away.

It was Rivera's last game in that red jersey. It probably wasn't his last day at The Pit.

"I'll be down here in the future," he said. "If you ever drive around, you'll definitely see me."