Soccer team falls to Bayfield in season opener

The Gunnison High School soccer team lost a close game against Bayfield in their season opener at home on Saturday, Aug. 22.

Despite not getting the desired result, head coach Susan Powers was super happy with the way the Cowboys played and even felt that the team was dominant, especially in the second half.

“I mean, you always hate to walk away from a game where you feel like you were really, you know, the dominant team and not get the win, but always something to be learned and something to work towards for sure,” said Powers after the game.

The game started fast with Roy Talbert netting the Cowboys’ first goal of the season quickly to take a one-goal lead. The Wolverines answered quickly and evened the score at one. Just a short while later the Wolverines pulled ahead after scoring from long range.

Later in the first half the Cowboys were awarded a penalty with the chance to once again tie the game. Talbert stepped up and buried the chance to even the score at two goals. But, before the end of the half the Cowboys committed a penalty of their own and the Wolverines put the ball in the back of the net to once again claim a one-goal lead.

Powers felt that her team adjusted super well in the second half of the game and played really strong defense. They also created multiple offensive opportunities, but were unable to get the goal in the back of the net and the game ended with a 3-2 score in favor of Bayfield.

After the game Powers talked a lot about capitalizing on the opportunities that they get in games.

“We've got just a lot of talent out there,” said Powers. “And working together is really going to be the key to continue to focus on that.”

The Cowboys were also without senior captain Eli Coop who sustained an ankle injury before the season started. His absence was certainly noticeable in the game, emphasized Powers. 

The hope is that Coop will be back this weekend for their matchup against Canon City, but his status is still uncertain.

The Cowboys will travel to Canon City on Saturday, Aug. 29, for their second game of the season with a chance to win their first game of the season. Last year the Cowboys played the Tigers at home and won 3-0. 

Ahead of the game the team is focusing on their creativity and finishing in the attacking third of the field as well as ball movement in the midfield and overall team communication, noted Powers.

The Cowboys game against Canon City will be the Tigers first game of the season. While the Cowboys won last year, Powers emphasized that Saturday’s game will undoubtedly be a tight matchup.