The Pagosa Springs High School Pirate boys’ soccer team picked up another win on Friday, Oct. 10, defeating the Alamosa Mean Moose 5-0.
With the win, the Pirates improve their overall record on the season to 10-1 and remain unbeaten in league play with an Intermountain League (IML) record of 5-0.
Coach Trevor Gian explained that weather started to become a factor during the match, noting it “did affect the game at times.”
He mentioned there were a few spots on the field with lots of water where the ball would slow down or even stop, but, other than that, the field was just slick.
Gian spoke about how league games are always tough and how the Pirates’ first matchup on the road against Alamosa this season was a tough environment to play in.
He mentioned the Pirates were more comfortable playing at home this time around, “and it definitely showed.”
Gian gave respect to Alamosa, noting the Mean Moose have quality players.
“We definitely were ready, though,” he added.
Gavin Carter provided the first goal for the Pirates on the day early on in the first half with “a good finish to the near post,” Gian explained.
He noted that Carter scored a second goal in the first half with a shot from outside of Alamosa’s box, which he described as “a great shot down low.”
The Pirates also earned a penalty kick in the first half, with Esnyder Paz drawing a foul inside of Alamosa’s box, Gian explained.
Gian noted that Chance Ramirez stepped up and knocked in the penalty kick, giving the Pirates a 3-0 lead going into halftime.
Gian commented that the Pirates put together “some really good play” in the first half, creating multiple scoring opportunities and testing the Alamosa goalkeeper.
He mentioned that Alamosa was able to string together some transition play at times, but that the Pirates dictated possession and control for the majority of the first half.
“I felt like we definitely dictated the pace of the game,” he said.
Gian explained that the message at halftime to the team was to go out and put the game away, noting that he was starting to get comfortable with the 3-0 lead, but wanted a little bit more from the Pirates.
“We really came after ‘em,” he said, explaining that Milo Deitemeyer moved up from his usual defensive position into a more attacking role and was able to get a goal.
Gian noted that Deitemeyer “had a great finish” from a “well-struck ball” about 20 yards out.
Gian mentioned that Alamosa had a run of about 10 minutes where they were able to gain some momentum and create a scoring chance.
He explained that Alamosa was able to set up a shot on nearly an open net, but that Oliver Samu “was able to meet it” just before an Alamosa attacker could knock it in.
The Pirates came up with a fifth goal from Ryder King with about 20 minutes left to play, Gian explained.
“At the end of the day, it was a fun day for soccer, in my opinion,” Gian said, noting that the Pirates’ play wasn’t always perfect, but the effort and heart of the team was apparent.
“It was great to see,” he said. “We were the better team that day.”
Gian praised the Pirate team as a whole, commenting that he was “extremely impressed with our team” and the resiliency showed.
He also commented that the Pirates did a good job of keeping their cool and understanding how they can not give away cheap yellow cards in reactionary moments.
“We did a really, really good job keeping our head, keeping our cool,” Gian said, explaining league games have a tendency to be more physical.
Gian mentioned that the way the Pirates played made him “very proud” of the team.
“We play it to have fun,” he said, noting that it was good to see the team live up to its own expectations of how it wants to play.
“We feel good about who we are,” he added.
He explained that the Pirates have a number of individuals with great talent, “but we utilize it as a group so well” and that is the reason for the team’s success so far this season.
“I’m just proud of the team,” Gian said, noting the Pirates have three regular-season games left to determine its playoff position.
“Really proud of the whole team, everybody that’s a part of Pagosa Pirate soccer,” he said.
Schedule
The Pirates were originally scheduled to play against Crested Butte on Oct. 11, but that match was canceled due to weather, and is unlikely to be rescheduled, according to Gian.
The Pirates’ next match will be tomorrow, Friday, Oct. 17, as they host Fruita Monument at 2 p.m. at Golden Peaks Stadium.
The Pirates were also supposed to host the Bayfield Wolverines on Oct. 14, but that match was rescheduled due to weather, and will now be played on Tuesday, Oct. 21, at Golden Peaks Stadium at 4 p.m.
Gian explained that the IML title will come down to the game against Bayfield, noting that Bayfield will have to beat the Pirates to knock them out of the top spot in the IML.
Bayfield currently boasts an overall record of 6-7, including a league mark of 3-1.
Gian commented that he has a “ton of confidence and belief” in the Pirates to be able to seal the IML title.
The match against Lake County has also been rescheduled from Oct. 16 and will now be played on Friday, Oct. 24, at Golden Peaks Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 3 p.m. This will be senior night for the Pirates.
clayton@pagosasun.com
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