Durango High School played its first seven games of the boys soccer season on the Front Range. The goal was to gain some credibility among coaches across the state.
Mission accomplished.
The DHS Demons (5-1-1) reached the championship game of the Air Academy Kadet Classic in Colorado Springs on Saturday after a 5-0 win against Discovery Canyon (2-2-0) in the morning.
But the Demons fell short in the title match against Air Academy, losing 4-0 later Saturday to the top-ranked Class 4A team in the state. It was the first loss of the year for DHS.
“Air Academy was a solid team. They move the ball very well, and they move with pace and intensity that we don’t see too often, and that is what we would like to get ourselves to,” DHS head coach Dalon Parker said. “They were solid but also beatable.”
Parker intentionally scheduled the first seven games on the road on the Front Range to toughen up his team early while showcasing the team that he believes can compete deep into the state tournament this season.
“I think we made a name for ourselves this season already. People are seeing what type of soccer Durango can play and are playing,” Parker said. “It served a purpose to drive all the way up here and face that competition, and it gave us insight into when playoff time comes around.”
Parker said the team will set their goals even higher after facing the No. 1 Kadets (4-0-0).
DHS senior goalkeeper Lars Schwaebe made nine saves in the game against Air Academy.
In the morning game against Discovery Canyon, Elijah Fenton, Nick Jernigan, Austin Kelly, Roberto Razo and Austin Urban all scored for the Demons.
DHS managed just three good scoring chances in the game against the Kadets.
Parker said he didn’t think playing two games in one day was the reason his team was unable to keep up with Air Academy in the title game.
“It’s not like Air Academy dominated possession, but they capitalized in their attacking third more than we did,” he said.
DHS will stick closer to home for their next game at 5 p.m. Tuesday against Piedra Vista in Farmington.
heraldsports@durangoherald.com
