The Durango High School boys soccer team ended the season with a bang Saturday against the Pirates.
It was a 10-0 road win for the Demons at Pagosa Springs behind a three-goal, one-assist game from junior Sam Carozza, while senior Sayer Frontella poured in two goals and one assist.
DHS finished the season with a 7-1-2 overall record and a 5-1-2 mark in the 5A/4A Southwestern League to finish one point behind Montrose in the league standings. Montrose was seeded 16th in the 16-team Class 4A state tournament and will play No. 1 Battle Mountain in the first round.
The Demons missed the postseason by not winning league. But head coach Aaron Champenoy was pleased to see his team finish the year on a five-game winning streak in which it outscored its opponents 42-0.
“It was a great season of development for the team,” Champenoy said. “We ended with seven shutouts. This team was a joy to watch play and see them come together playing a truly beautiful style of the game. We knew we wouldn’t be as big or athletic as we’ve been in the past, so we needed to win in a different way.”
In the season finale, goals also came from seniors Evan Donovan and Tristin Lawson. Junior Ryan Bell also scored, as did freshmen Davis Cameron and Owen Carozza.
Senior Arlison Reyez had two assists, while Harrison Beattie, David Smagacz, Jackson Dahly, Aiden Araujo and Logan Stetler also had one assist each.
Fred Reiter was the winning goalie without having to make a save. Eli Connell also saw time in goal and wasn’t challenged by a shot. Wyatt Zeigler was credited with 30 saves for Pagosa Springs (3-4).
The spring season concluded with the win for DHS. Now, the Demons will prepare for a normal fall season in a few short months after the COVID-19 pandemic altered the current season and pushed it from the fall to the spring. The state tournament was reduced in size from 32 to 16.
“Our seniors were tremendous this year and helped a young program really improve,” Champenoy said. “They embodied what we want to be known as. We have a great future with so many guys returning to the program. Behind our five juniors, we have a strong sophomore class and 24 freshmen. I can’t wait to start working with the group already for next season.”
jlivingston@durangoherald.com
