The Durango High School boys soccer team felt it was the better side much of Saturday’s match. But it was rival Montrose that got the goal and the result.
The Demons fell 1-0 at Montrose (4-1, 4-0 5A/4A Southwestern League) on Saturday afternoon after the home team scored an early second-half goal.
DHS (0-1-1, 0-1-1 SWL) was in its first week of the season with only one other previous game, while Montrose had four games under its belt already going into the match. Fitness favored the Indians in the second half.
“We came out and dominated possession the first 25 or 30 minutes and looked dangerous,” DHS head coach Aaron Champenoy said. “we had some good opportunities that, unfortunately, the refs decided were offsides early on. But we looked much better moving the ball in the midfield with wingers getting involved and didn’t give them much chances early in the game.
“We thought we were the stronger side at halftime, but we looked a bit tired in the second half and weren’t able to keep possession as much.”
Champenoy was pleased with the play of his defensive back line and goalkeeper Fred Reiter, but one lapse cost the Demons a goal. Montrose put in a pass into Durango’s 18-yard box, and Adriel Encarnacion, a junior striker, finished a shot for the game’s lone goal.
DHS was dangerous on a few set pieces and crosses, but the Demons were unable to finish.
After a 0-0 tie at Fruita Monument to open the season, DHS has now gone 180 minutes of action this season without a goal. DHS will play at home for the first time this season Thursday against the same Montrose team.
“We have to bounce back and find a way to start scoring goals,” Champenoy said. “We need a rebound game and will make the adjustments we need to. The guys have to come out and finish chances better and find ways to break through. It’s disheartening to lose when you thought you were a better team.”
jlivingston@durangoherald.com
