Durango forward Max Wilson has a knack for putting himself in position to score goals, and it didn’t take long for the senior to make a difference in Friday’s boys soccer league opener against rival Montrose.
Wilson, who didn’t see any action in the Demons’ 5-0 season debut win against Sandia Prep, came into the game in the ninth minute and scored the decisive goal seconds later, as Durango (2-0, 1-0 5A/4A Southwestern League) beat Montrose 2-0.
“Max just has that strange ability to see things before they happen,” Durango head coach Dalon Parker said. “He was the only one who followed the first shot, and he scored 30 seconds into his season. Getting one early is always huge.”
Wilson, who has been battling a back injury, scored the early goal after the initial Durango shot was deflected off the post by Indians goalkeeper Enrique Maldonado. With the keeper out of position after making a sprawling save, Wilson was the man in position to bury the rebound.
“I just happened to be there in the right place at the right time,” said Wilson, son of Kathy and Steve Wilson. “I’ve worked hard on making good runs, and the coaches always tell us to follow the ball. It was pretty easy, just had to tap it in.”
The Demons outshot Montrose (2-3, 0-1 SWL) 11-9 in what was a well-played, tightly-contested match for the most part. Blake McClain’s second half penalty kick goal gave the Demons a nice cushion, as goalkeeper Trey Furnas collected his second consecutive shutout to start the season.
Furnas turned away five shots that ended up on frame, highlighted by a flying stop in which he had full body extension to stop a rocket destined for the top corner.
“We’re hyped for this because they’re a huge rival of ours, and I think we played really well,” said Furnas, son of Dave and Jynn Furnas. “They looked good in front of me all day; it’s fun to watch the guys improve every day. Our back line has to be the best in our league.”
Montrose tried to apply pressure late in the game, but Durango kept putting in fresh bodies that beat the Indians to the ball with regularity. The Demons used 18 players in Friday’s game and should be well rested for Saturday morning’s meeting with Fruita Monument.
“Remember, the back-to-backs are tough in our league,” Parker said. “We’ve been trying to figure out a way to keep guys fresh and healthy. It’s nice to sub guys in and out and see no drop in our quality of play.”
The two-time defending Southwestern League champion Demons host Fruita at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Riverview Sports Complex.
jfries@durangoherald.com
