The boys’ soccer team ended their 2012 campaign with a loss to the Kennedy Commanders 2-1. The team finished 4th in DPS 4A, and had multiple successes throughout the season.
The boys soccer tries to put up a good defense in the final games of the season. Photo by Rachel Uyemura
After winning the DPS 4A title in 2011, the boys’ had great confidence heading into the 2012 season. With a couple early wins against good teams, they looked like they were in good shape. DPS proved to be the challenge with multiple teams in the top ten of the respected leagues. The Spartans beat 5A powerhouse Abraham Lincoln 3-0 for the first time in a number of years. As the season wore on, competition for playoff spots grew tougher.
On Tuesday, October 9, the Spartan boys’ soccer team lost to Denver North High School, and on Friday, October 12, tied Denver West High School 1-1. Denver North scored off a kickoff in overtime to win 2-1. “We didn’t really have motivation in the first half, but coming onto the field in the second half we felt we had to tie the game up. They played smart in overtime resulting in a win for them,” said Senior Goalkeeper Colin Suzuki.
On October 12, the Spartans played a game against Denver West. The Spartans were looking for redemption following their overtime loss. With a scoreless first half, the boys’ gave up an early penalty kick in the second half. The score stood at 1-0 until Senior Damon Daniels scored off a free kick. With two overtimes gone, the game ended in a draw 1-1. “We were confident we could get this win. Unfortunately, things didn’t go as planned, but we still managed a well deserved draw,” stated Senior Midfielder Nathan Gengler. On Tuesday, October 15, the boys drew a 0-0 score against Bruch Randolph. The team had multiple opportunities but couldn’t pull off the win, resulting in the tie.
The boys went into their final game against Kennedy, needing a win to clinch a playoff berth, but failed to do so losing 2-1. The season might not have ended up as some had hoped but there were numerous highlights that made the 2012 soccer season one to remember. ” The seniors really came together as a team. The camaraderie of the team made it one of the most memorable seasons,” said Gengler.
Friday 8/31 Aurora West College Prep Academy @ TJ 6:00pm (L 1-0)
Wednesday 9/5 Arvada High School @ Lakewood Memorial 4:00pm (W 3-1)
Friday 9/7 Northglenn High School @ TJ 4:00pm (W 3-1)
Tuesday 9/11@ Conifer High School 4:00pm (W 2-0)
Thursday 9/13 @ Smoky Hill High School 4:00pm (L 8-1)
Wednesday 9/19 Abraham Lincoln High School @ TJ 4:00pm (W 3-0)
Friday 9/21 Denver East High School @ TJ 4:00pm (L 2-0)
Tuesday 9/25 @ Montbello High School 4:00pm (T 0-0)
Friday 9/28 Kent Denver High School @ TJ 4:00pm (L 2-1 OT)
Tuesday 10/2 George Washington High School @ TJ 4:00 pm (L 2-1 OT)
Friday 10/5 @ Denver South High School 5:30pm (W 2-1)
Tuesday 10/9 @ Denver North High School 4:00pm (L 2-1 OT)
Friday 10/12 Denver West High School @ TJ 4:00pm (T 1-1)
Monday 10/15 Bruce Randolph High School @ TJ 4:00pm (T 0-0)
Wednesday 10/17 @ John F. Kennedy High School @ All City Field 4:00pm (L 2-1)
