Boulder’s back, but there’s no shortage of contenders
The Denver Post
Think of last season’s instant-classic Class 5A boys soccer title game, in which Boulder defeated Broomfield in a 14-round penalty kick shootout, as a prelude to this season’s action, when a bevy of equally talented teams are capable of raising the trophy Nov. 11 at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.
Boulder, ranked No. 1 in The Denver Post preseason power poll, headlines again thanks to the experience of the Panthers’ 19-man senior class, but No. 3 Broomfield and No. 2 Denver East — which boasts the classification’s top returning scorer in senior striker Sam Carson — are also legitimate contenders.
“We’ve been here before, after winning a state title in 2012, and we know we’re going to see every team’s best effort,” Boulder coach Hardy Kalisher said. “I believe we’re truly prepared for that, and that our players realize it’s not about what happened last year, it’s about this year — because there are a lot of teams that can challenge us in the playoffs.”
The Panthers will be tested repeatedly during the regular season considering the Front Range League has five teams in the top 10 in another fall when that conference is only the tip of the iceberg of the state’s wide-ranging talent.
“I have so much respect for (Boulder coach) Hardy Kalisher and (Broomfield coach) Jim Davidson, and you’ve just got to look at them and their entire league as full of contenders,” Denver East coach Kirk Bast said. “And after that, the Centennial’s always strong, and the Denver Public League is kind of a hidden gem. There’s a lot of good players and some rising teams in this league.”
Senior midfielder Eric Ramirez and junior striker Omar Castruita are two of Boulder’s two main players, while Broomfield returns one of the state’s top keepers in senior Jose Ogaz.
Denver East has depth to match its northern counterparts in senior keeper Victor Yague Izquierdo, junior midfielder Marko Babiak and senior striker Luca Bravo to complement Carson on a team that’s ready to raise the bar after last season’s 18-1 season that ended with a 2-1 loss to Broomfield in the semifinals.
“Carson’s going to occupy other defenders at times and give other players opportunities on offense, because people know who he is now,” Bast said. “Overall, this is one of the best teams I’ve ever had in terms of ownership, because they hold each other accountable. That’s what is going to win us those close matches deep in the playoffs this year.”
Fossil Ridge, another 2016 semifinalist, also finds itself in good position as the No. 4 SaberCats bring back offensive firepower in senior Blair Durand and junior Tyler Hause.