The Cowboy soccer team found redemption against rivals Telluride on Oct. 19, beating the Miners 4-0 in its last home game of the season. The key league victory moved GHS to a 6-7-1 overall record, and a third-place, 3-2-1 league record.
With only one regular season game remaining against non-league opponent Delta on Oct. 24, the Cowboys currently sit No. 13 out of 24 headed into the postseason.
“This was the best I’ve seen them play as a team all year,” said Head Coach Susan Powers. “I could name four or five kids who had their best game of the season. We really put all the pieces together.”
Although the team fell to Telluride 5-2 on Oct. 5, the Cowboys bounced back in the home rematch on Saturday. Coach Powers said the narrow Telluride pitch played a significant role in the away defeat. At home, the Cowboys utilized their wider field to beat the Miner press and take advantage on the counterattack.
The midfield pivot of Eli Coop and Owen Powers connected the defense to the attack, helping the Cowboys split the Miners high press. The pair also contributed heavily in front of goal. Owen Powers bagged a goal, while Coop scored and assisted. Cesar Marmolejo continued his excellent run of form, and created two goals and scored one. Senior Anselmo Ballesteros also added a goal to his name.
On defense, centerbacks Tilden Martinez and Zavier Drendel played a “flawless game,” according to Coach Powers. The duo navigated through the opposing press, and earned a clean sheet for their efforts.
The game ended a dominant, 4-0 for the Cowboys. Now, all eyes are on the final matchup against 3A Delta this week. Playoffs are scheduled for early November.
“We’re focusing on our growth, energy and mindset ahead of the postseason,” Coach Powers said. “We’re right in there with some of the best teams in the state when we play well. Now we just need to find consistency.”
(Alex McCrindle can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or alex@gunnisontimes.com.)
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