The Pagosa Springs High School Pirate boys’ soccer team now boasts an overall record of 4-1 on the season after winning a pair of games over the last week at home against the Aztec Tigers from Aztec, N.M., and the Montezuma-Cortez Panthers.
The Pirates put up a total of 12 goals between the two games, while only conceding once, beating the Tigers 7-0 on Saturday, Sept. 6, and defeating the Panthers 5-1 on Tuesday, Sept. 9.
In the match against the Tigers, Gavin Carter and Ryder King each bagged two goals, while Chance Ramirez led the team in assists with three on the day.
Jacob Castaneda, Angelo Medina and Milo Deitemeyer each recorded one goal. Elmer Castillo contributed two assists, and Hudson Davis tallied one on the day.
The Pirates racked up a total 15 shots on goal, with Carter leading the way with six shots on goal.
Deitemeyer, King and Medina each had two shots on goal.
The Pirates played two goal keepers during the match, Ethan Bracken and Taylor Wells, who each played one half, making two and three saves, respectively.
Coach Trevor Gian commented that a point of emphasis for the Pirates going forward after the match against Aztec is to be “putting those quality opportunities away.”
He explained the Pirates had about four or five chances while the game was 1-0 to add to their score.
Gian mentioned that having a higher percentage in finishing goal-scoring opportunities will be crucial in games when fewer chances are created.
“But, we created ‘em,” he said, noting the Pirates played with effort, attitude and intent against the Tigers.
“Collectively, there was some control, there was some understanding,” he added, explaining that the Pirates’ goal is to play with intent and purpose in knowing what kind of plays to look for.
Gian also spoke about the Pirates attempting to control the game by building up play out of the back.
“It’s getting better,” he said, mentioning that the Pirates’ formation was adjusted to provide more shape in the middle of the field, even if gaps open up between their central defensive midfielders.
Gian commented on Deitemeyer’s performance in the back, noting, “it’s great having him back.”
Deitemeyer is returning for his senior season after suffering a leg injury last year.
Gian complemented Deitemeyer’s understanding of the game and knowing when to get rid of the ball or when to control it and look for an outlet pass.
He also mentioned that the Pirates have been emphasizing “not panicking under pressure” and using quality touches to get into positive situations to get out of pressure.
Gian mentioned that he’d like to see the Pirates be able to build up from the back, but noted there is an inherent risk when doing so, in that one bad touch opens up the door for opponents to capitalize on mistakes.
“Trying to eliminate those mistakes,” he said, explaining that he wants to see the Pirates attempting to play perfect soccer, rather than only playing to their strengths.
He noted that it involves wide players knowing when to create depth and space by checking in for the ball and when to make runs in behind the opponent’s defense.
Gian also spoke about the importance of the Pirates being able to control emotions and “let your actions speak for you.”
“I try to let them see it start from me,” he said, explaining that positivity and composure when things aren’t going their way are “huge points of emphasis.”
“If something negative happens, we have to pick people up,” he said.
Gian commended his team’s efforts in that regard, noting, “These guys have come a long way” since last season and under previous programs, in “being able to walk away from those tough situations that normally could turn heated.”
Gian also mentioned that he wants the Pirates to get to the point where “our reaction is to go play the game” and pick each other up while doing so.
“No negativity,” he said, explaining that as long as the team continues to bring the same effort, attitude, intent and purpose, “we’ll do it our way, as Pirates,” win or lose.
Gian noted that the team is looking to leave a legacy behind with the Pirate soccer program that it is competitive and fun.
“We need to have fun,” he added, explaining that his own focus has changed slightly over the years and that it “really comes down to us, being proud of who we are.”
Gian offered more praise for the Pirates’ performance against Aztec, commenting, “I’m definitely impressed with everybody who stepped on that field.”
He also highlighted performances by the team’s captains, along with King, noting he put in a “tremendous effort and skill there.”
“Those captains ... are leading by example,” he added.
Montezuma-Cortez
The Pirates were first on the scoreboard against the Panthers on Tuesday, with a goal by Carter in the eighth minute after running onto a through ball and beating the Panthers’ goalkeeper in a one-on-one scenario.
The Pirates were able to generate another quality scoring chance shortly after, with Castaneda finishing a similar style goal as Carter’s, but one that was disallowed by an offsides call.
Not long after, in the 14th minute, the Pirates conceded a goal from a Panther corner kick where a defender slipped, allowing the Panther’s attacker to send the ball in for a goal, Gian explained.
The Pirates were then able to sustain some pressure by the Panthers and earned a penalty kick before the end of the half. A low shot to the corner by Ramirez was powerful enough to beat the Panther goalkeeper, despite getting a hand to the ball, putting the Pirates up 2-1.
Just before halftime, the Panthers earned a free kick at the edge of the Pirates’ penalty box, with Bracken making a diving save to preserve the Pirates’ lead.
The start of the second half saw the Pirates controlling possession for the opening 10 minutes, earning a free kick just outside of the corner of the Panthers’ penalty area.
Deitemeyer quickly took the kick, beating the Panther goalkeeper with a hard, low shot to the corner, giving the Pirates a 3-1 advantage.
Another penalty kick was awarded to the Pirates in the 60th minute, which Ramirez converted, putting the Pirates up 4-1 with 20 minutes to play.
The last goal of the night came in the 67th minute with Edgar Castillo creating his own opportunity with a right-footed curling shot that dropped in the top corner, beating a diving Panther goalkeeper.
Additional stats were not available as of press time on Wednesday.
Gian commented that having a deep bench is helpful in games like that, as the Pirates were able to rotate players to prevent anyone from getting too exhausted.
Gian also commented on Deitemeyer’s performance again, noting that his leadership on the back line is crucial.
Gian mentioned that Deitemeyer is starting to build his confidence back up “and you see that when he plays. He’s playing free again, and I like that.”
In a game that featured four set-piece goals, Gian commented on the importance of both converting and defending set pieces, noting the Pirates’ mentality is to be “first to the ball offensively, first to the ball defensively.”
He mentioned that giving up the goal from the corner let the Panthers stick around and find a little bit of momentum.
“Just wasn’t up to our standards,” he added.
Gian stated that the Pirates had a better response in the second half, noting “the team responded well.”
He explained the response stemmed from the team’s captains, seniors and juniors, onto younger players in the squad.
“I think we were kind of relentless towards the end,” he said, explaining that is a mindset he wants instilled in the team — to “never quit, no matter what.”
Gian explained that having a deep bench with players who can come in and positively affect a game is a result of the effort being put in by players in the varsity and junior varsity levels.
He noted that the junior varsity team put in a good display earlier in the day, taking down the Panthers’ junior varsity team by a score of 3-1.
Gian noted he was “proud of the team” with its performance and “keeping our cool” during heated moments.
The Pirates will be back in action this Saturday, Sept. 13, with another home game, hosting Manitou Springs at 11 a.m.
The Mustangs are 3-0 on the season.
clayton@pagosasun.com
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