TJ boys’ soccer played hard in its final DPL match-up, but failed to bring home the City Title.
photo by Rebecca Holt
On Tuesday the Spartan boys had high hopes of continuing their winning streak to five games, but instead came out with the most disheartening loss yet, going down in defeat 3-4 to the Commanders of Kennedy. Before the game, Kennedy and TJ shared the 4A DPL City Title, which meant this matchup would decide the champion. Most importantly, the outcome of this game decided TJ’s seeding in the playoff picture, meaning if the boys lose they obtain a 30, or a 29 seed, but winning would mean a 15 or 16 seed, which would bring TJ’s first home playoff game in decades.
Sadly this loss does make the task of advancing deep into the playoffs much more difficult, but the boys are not losing hope. “We are going to have to face a good team, we know that,” said Junior Nick Becker. “I know that this team can come together, and give it everything we have,” he said.
The Spartans have maintained this positive, upbeat attitude all season long, which has been key to their success. “There is never blame on one person; we are a team, we always come together,” said Senior Chris Needham. Despite this being Needham’s first ever season playing the sport, his great leadership skills and athleticism have lead to his fantastic play in the net, having shut out five different teams this year.
Despite losing, the team always finds ways to make sure they look at the positives more than the negatives. Junior Striker Corey Rowe had two beautiful goals, and Junior Hayden Johnson added on another one late in the second half.
With the regular season now over, the Spartans end up with a record of 8-6, which is a vast improvement from previous years. Make sure you gather up your friends and support the boys in the first round of the playoffs next week.
Tue 9-8-09 Gateway High School @TJ 4:00pm (L 0-1)
Thu 9-10-09 EagleCrest High school @ TJ 4:00 pm (L 1-3)
Mon 9-14-09 @Elizabeth High School 6:00 pm (W 10-0)
Wed 9-16-09 Faith Christian High School @TJ 4:00 pm (W2-1)
Fri 9-18-09 Evergreen High School @ TJ 4:00 pm
Mon 9-21-09 George Washington High School @TJ 4:00pm (W4-0)
Wed 9-23-09 @Denver South High School 4:00pm (L3-0)
Tue 9-29-09 Denver North High School @TJ 4:00pm (W6-4)
Fri 10-2-09 @Denver East High School @TJ 4:00pm (L6-0)
Tue 10-6-09 Abraham Lincoln High school @TJ 4:00pm (L4-0)
Thu 10-8-09 Montbello High School @ All City Field 6:00pm (W6-0)
Fri 10-9-09 Ridge View Academy @TJ 4:15 pm (W4-0)
Tue 10-13-09 Denver West High School @ All City Field 6:00pm (W4-0)
Thu 10-15-09 @Kent Denver 4:00pm W(2-1)
Tue 10-20-09 @ John F. Kennedy 4:00pm L(3-4)
