The Pagosa Springs High School Pirate boys’ soccer team picked up another win this over the last week, defeating the Montezuma-Cortez Panthers in Cortez on Saturday, Oct. 3, by a score of 2-0.
The Pirates now boast an overall record of 9-1, including a league mark of 4-0, putting them in first place of the Intermountain League (IML) and 17th in the state’s 3A division.
Coach Trevor Gian described the match against the Panthers as a “very tough, very physical game.”
He stated, “We got out of there with a win, which is huge.”
Ryder King was able to knock in two goals for the Pirates in the first half, one from a corner kick and one not long after with a “phenomenal effort” to beat the Panthers’ defenders, creating an open look on goal, Gian explained.
Gian noted the Pirates picked up a couple of yellow cards throughout the match, with Milo Deitemeyer and Gavin Carter each receiving one.
He noted that Jacob Castaneda was unable to finish the match after picking up an injury.
“We got pulled apart mentally,” Gian said.
He explained that the Pirates started out strong in some areas while being flat in others in the opening minutes of the game, noting that some touches on the ball in the early moments could’ve really dictated the way the game unfolded.
Gian mentioned he felt more comfortable after the Pirates got their first goal, but that the Panthers responded with pressure.
He explained that once King was able to knock in his second goal and the Pirates were able to take the lead into halftime, the rest of the match felt like a “dogfight.”
He noted that the Panthers were hungry for a win, explaining how the Pirates have only played two games over the past three weeks and are gearing up for a stretch of five games in seven days starting on Friday.
“We need to continue winning,” he said.
Gian also mentioned how the Pirates “luckily” had depth on their bench and quite a few players played important roles in the match who haven’t had much field time so far this season since the team was missing a few other usual starters.
“We tested that depth,” he said, explaining the yellow cards being issued became a factor, as well.
He also praised assistant coach Dyan Rice, noting she “had a lot of great perspective” throughout the match as the team did not want to lose any players to a possible second yellow and red card situation.
Gian spoke more about the Pirates’ depth with their roster, noting that Angel Ramirez did a “great job” stepping up, along with Edgar Castillo and Elmer Castillo in the midfield.
He commented on freshman Xavi Sanchez, who put in a quality performance, along with Hudson Davis, who “just did a great job.”
He explained that Oliver Samu also put in a strong performance, with Connor Kirkham stepping up, as well.
Gian mentioned that Jonathon Rodriguez was able to return from injury, noting it was “great to have him in there.”
Gian also praised Esneyder Paz’s performance on the day, noting he was able to get some time on the field and helped out.
Gian spoke highly of the team as whole, too, explaining how the Pirates “dug deep” and that all of the players deserve recognition for “playing big again.”
“The team as a whole, I just couldn’t be more proud of who they are,” he said.
Gian explained that not every match is “pretty and perfect” and that the Pirates had to clean up a bit of a mess, but to be able to still get a couple goals, secure a shutout and walk away with a win is huge for their season.
He added that although he was disappointed with a few things in the match against the Panthers, “I’m so proud of the team being able to dig deep, to dig through those moments and maintain that record, and maintain the win and get the shutout.”
Upcoming schedule
The Pirates will host the remaining five games of the regular season over the next week, beginning with the Alamosa Mean Moose coming to town on Friday, Oct. 10, with kickoff scheduled for 5:30 p.m. at Golden Peaks Stadium.
The Mean Moose are 0-9-1 on the season.
The following day, Saturday, Oct. 11, the Pirates will host the Crested Butte Titans starting at 3 p.m. and will have just a couple days break before hosting the Bayfield Wolverines for their final IML match of the season on Tuesday, Oct. 14, at 5:30 p.m.
The Titans are 8-2-1 on the season, and the Wolverines are 6-7.
On Thursday, Oct. 16, the Pirates will host the Lake County Panthers at 4 p.m. for senior night.
The final match of the regular season is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 17, when the Pirates will host the Fruita Monument Wildcats at 2 p.m.
Gian mentioned the Pirates are hitting this stretch where “we really gotta dial in who we are” and stay mentally strong and structurally and technically sound.
“I’m invested in these kids,” Gian said, explaining that he is really pushing for the Pirates to earn a first-round home playoff game.
He explained that he is looking to “bring the physicality back to us this week” as that was one thing lacking against Montezuma-Cortez.
He explained that the past two matches the Pirates have played have been at a slightly different pace, but with the run of five games coming up the Pirates can get back to just going out and playing games without getting stuck in a rut of practices.
clayton@pagosasun.com
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