The Pagosa Springs High School Pirate boys’ soccer team will host its home opener on Saturday, Sept. 6, at 11 a.m., when they’ll host the Aztec Tigers from Aztec, N.M.
The Pirates participated in a tournament in Aztec, N.M., held on Aug. 21-23, losing their opening match against Farmington, N.M., by a score of 3-1.
The Pirates then defeated Grants, N.M., by a score of 6-0 and Portales, N.M., by a score of 2-1.
Coach Trevor Gian explained the loss to Farmington was a tough one, noting the Pirates were struggling to be first to the ball on the day.
Gian mentioned that the Farmington Scorpions were “clean” with their passing and had purpose behind their play, but expressed that the Pirates could’ve walked away with a different result on a different day.
The Pirates’ lone goal was provided by Gavin Carter, who had a total of three shots on the day.
Angelo Medina and Ryder King each recorded one shot on the day as well.
Ethan Bracken and Taylor Wells each played 40 minutes in goal for the Pirates and recorded two and eight saves, respectively.
In the match against Grants, the Pirates put up a total of 22 shots, with King recording two goals. Carter tallied three assists and Xavi Sanchez recorded one assist.
Chance Ramirez, Milo Deitemeyer, Edgar Castillo and Caden Plake each bagged one goal on the day.
“It was a good game to kind of get back on our feet there,” Gian said, adding, “We definitely dictated the pace of play in that one and what we wanted to do.”
Bracken recorded two saves on the day.
The match against Portales turned into an “ugly game,” Gian noted, adding that it became a little “chippy,” with Portales receiving a red card and the Pirates receiving a yellow card.
King and Carter each recorded one goal, with Deitemeyer and Hudson Davis providing one assist each.
Bracken made five saves, while Wells recorded one save, allowing one goal.
Gian explained that the Pirates were able to maintain possession and create dynamic plays in the attacking third.
He noted the Pirates gave up a goal late and that the game turned into a “survive and get out of there” situation in trying to avoid any more cards or injuries.
Gian also noted the Pirates looked better defensively with their shape in the match against Portales.
He commented that going forward, the Pirates were able to switch the point of attack and created numerous scoring opportunities, adding it “just comes down to finishing them.”
When looking at the season ahead, Gian explained that some younger players are stepping into roles in the midfield, which is allowing some more experienced older players to move into positions where they can be more creative and play with a bit more freedom compared to last year.
Gian mentioned that the Pirates were heavily focused on their defensive shape and presence much of last season, indicating the plan is to be able to do some things differently this year.
Gian noted that he is looking for the Pirates to develop a strong midfield presence to maintain possession and have solid build-up play leading to quality scoring chances.
He noted the Pirates were able to capitalize on counter attacks a lot last season, “and that worked for us at times.”
He mentioned the Pirates definitely have the ability to counterattack this season as well, but “we’re really looking to have some shape in that middle.”
“I think we found what we’re looking to do,” he added.
He noted that by the end of the tournament in Aztec, “the play style looked really good” for the Pirates, and that it “fit our personnel.”
Gian went on to mention the Pirates are eager to get the regular season underway and that between the varsity and junior varsity lineups, the program has about 35 players this season.
“It is just a really, really good vibe, and that tournament solidified that,” he added.
Gian indicated that he is hopeful the Pirates will be able to come away with a positive result against Aztec and hopes to use that to maintain momentum as the team prepares for a “gauntlet” of games over the next two months.
Following the match against Aztec, the Pirates will host the Montezuma-Cortez Panthers on Tuesday, Sept. 9, at 5:30 p.m. in their first league matchup of the season.
The Panthers are 1-2 on the season.
“We’re just looking forward to getting on the field and playing,” Gian said.
Schedule
The following schedule was accurate as of press time Wednesday, but is subject to change. For additional scheduling information, visit http://bit.ly/4p3t3Cw.
Following the matches against Aztec on Sept. 6 and against Montezuma-Cortez on Sept. 9, the Pirates will continue regular season play on Saturday, Sept. 13, with another home game at Golden Peaks Stadium, as the team is set to host Manitou Springs at 11 a.m.
On Thursday, Sept. 18, the Pirates will host Grand Junction Central at 4 p.m.
The Pirates will then travel to Alamosa for a league matchup with the Mean Moose on Sept. 19. Kickoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.
The Pirates will have another away league match on Sept. 27 as the team heads to Bayfield to take on the Wolverines at 11 a.m.
The Pirates will then head to Cortez on Oct. 3 to take on the Panthers in another league matchup starting at 5:30 p.m.
The Pirates will return home on Oct. 10, hosting the Mean Moose at 5:30 p.m., followed by another home game on Oct. 11, with the Pirates hosting Crested Butte at 3 p.m.
On Oct. 14, the Pirates will host the Bayfield Wolverines at 5:30 p.m. in the team’s last league matchup of the year.
On Oct. 16, the Pirates will host the Lake County Panthers at 5:30 p.m.
The last home game of the regular season is set for Oct. 17, with the Pirates hosting Fruita Monument at 2 p.m.
clayton@pagosasun.com
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