Duel of powers results in scoreless standoff

The high school boys soccer game between Class 5A’s top-ranked Albuquerque Academy Chargers (13-4-3) and the third-ranked St. Pius X Sartans (13-3-4) started about 30 minutes late. The center referee was tardy arriving.

But after playing to a scoreless draw through regular time and two 10-minute overtimes, both will have to wait a little longer to determine superiority. Of course, that answer may come in the state final.

“I want to see them again — the rivalry is so big,” St. Pius senior captain Alex Nana said. “Now we know what to expect at state. We want to go out strong.”

His opposite number, senior Nick Williams, a New Mexico commit, was undeterred by the inconclusive result.

“When we’re at our best, we’re the best team in the entire state,” Williams said. “We just have to go out and prove it.”

Neither side could ultimately unlock the other, mostly to do some stout, organized defending. Both teams clustered bodies centrally in the final third, which offered precious few avenues for attack. As a result, each team settled for skip passes, switching fields to the opposite channel. There simply weren’t higher percentage passes available on a windy day.

“Once we found that possession we became really dangerous,” Academy coach Laney Kolek said. “The next time we play them, we have to put a goal away.”

While the host Sartans had more consistent spells of possessions, it was the visiting Chargers who came closest to breaking the deadlock.

Off the opening kickoff a breakdown the left got Academy past Sartan goalie Seth Matteucci, but some heroic defending cleared the resultant cross. On three occasions, Academy shots from near midfield forced Matteucci to tip the ball over the crossbar. Academy’s Tai Durell stung the crossbar in the 66th minute, and Williams’ rebound shot caromed harmlessly to a stranded Matteucci.

St. Pius’ best chances came courtesy of senior Julian Garcia. His 24thminute shot struck the crossbar, and he found side netting with a near post blast in the 46th after weaving past the Academy defense.

“I hope we play Academy again. It’s a great rivalry,” St. Pius coach A.J. Herrera said. “We could be on a collision course for the state tournament. But we have to come to play every game, because there are a lot of dangerous teams in the state.”