RUMFORD – There was certainly plenty of fireworks when the Mountain Valley and Telstar boys’ soccer teams connected in their regular-season finale at Hosmer Field on Thursday night.

In the end, the Rebels’ speed was the difference. A nifty goal by Ross Parker late in the first half was enough, combined with some solid saves by goalie Terry Collins propelled Telstar to a 2-0 win against the Falcons in MVC action.

There was extra incentive for Class B Mountain Valley (5-7-2), which understood it had the final playoff spot wrapped up.

“It wasn’t for a lack of effort,” Mountain Valley coach Wade McLaughlin said. “We played with a great deal of intensity. I told the team that we needed to win to get in and they played with a purpose. It was nice to see us play a full game.”

Class C Telstar (9-4-1) had its own objectives and might have moved in to the top five, avoiding a preliminary playoff game. The Rebels relied on Collins (eight saves), along with sweeper Blake Conrad and back Matt Mills to fend off the hard-charging Falcons.

Telstar advanced the ball in to the zone and Parker deked three defenders and booted a low shot past goalie Corey Wilson (11 saves). The goal was scored with 4:55 left in the first half, taking advantage of the Falcons’ defense which failed to rotate over in time.

“I was thinking that I had to score,” Parker said. “When I got past the first guy, I saw the goal over my left shoulder. The team came into this game pumped up because of what was at stake for us, but we also knew Mountain Valley would come after us.”

Mountain Valley’s Byron Glaus hit the left post and D.J. Gerrish redirected a header that was cradled by Collins.

In the second half, the Falcons had several opportunities from in close. Jon Gamble dribbled in and sent a crossing pass to Glaus, but Mills dashed over to block the shot. Ed Booker and Jeremy Childs also had quality shots.

“Our speed up front helped,” Telstar coach Tim Remington said. “We’ve got Ryan Savage, Alex Helms, Lou Thorton and Parker. So, we try to dump the ball in to the corner and then use our speed to get inside.”

Telstar scored an insurance goal as Savage headed a shot in to the far corner. Helms assisted on the play with four minutes left in the game.