Durango boys soccer on a roll, beat Fountain Valley on turf field

Playing on turf at home is going to take a bit to get used to for the Durango Demons.

For the first time, the Durango High School boys soccer team played a match on the new turf field behind the high school. The ball moves faster, doesn’t bounce on awkward patches of grass and rolls true on each touch. After playing on the lumpy grass at the Riverview Sports Complex for years, it took the Demons awhile to get used to game speed Thursday night against Fountain Valley of Colorado Springs.

Still, the Demons found a first-half goal and controlled possession en route to a 1-0 victory, the team’s 11th win in a row.

“The vibe at home is nice, but the turf did not treat us very kindly,” DHS head coach Dalon Parker said. “The turf is nice, but the way the ball bounces, how fast it moves and how consistently, it really makes a difference for our boys.”

Parker said he felt the margin of victory would have been larger Thursday if the match was played at Riverview, but he knows it is crucial for the team to get used to turf before the postseason begins next week. Still, Parker said the team will keep its options open when it comes to which field is used when the Demons host a playoff match.

“We didn’t get used to it until there was about 20 minutes left to play,” he said. “Then I saw us play the style we want to play. We need to do that consistently before the playoffs. We have a group of kids who are quick learners, and we’re excited to get some games before the playoffs.”

DHS (13-1, 6-1 4A/5A Southwestern League) scored in the first half when junior Elijah Fenton found freshman Leland Heinicke for a goal. It was the third goal of the season for Heinicke, the only freshman on the DHS varsity roster.

The defense of Durango was outstanding once again and recorded its fifth consecutive shutout and 11th of the year. In front of goalkeeper Trey Furnas, starting defenders Camden Farland, Corbin Lyman, Black McClain and Leifdon Pratchett were lights out in negating the attack of Fountain Valley (8-6-1).

“Our back line has been nothing but amazing,” Parker said. “They’ve been reliable and continue to be part of the lifeline of our team. As a coach, for me it starts with defense and works its way to offense. Even the defenders off the bench have been great.”

The league-champion Demons will wrap up their regular season back on the turf field at 5 p.m. Friday against Grand Junction Cental (1-13, 0-7 SWL). The Demons own a 7-0 road win at Central earlier this year. It will be senior day for the Demons with big class of 11 players to be recognized.

jlivingston@durangoherald.com