On a calm, cool night, Boulder boys soccer traveled to Mountain Range to begin conference play, aiming to continue their unbeaten season. The Panthers entered the match confidently, hoping to work on tactical play while giving most of the varsity team valuable minutes. Boulder did not disappoint.

As a testament to the strength of the program, the Panthers dominated the Mustangs 8-0. More impressive than the scoreline was that Boulder's eight goals were scored by eight different players, many of whom recorded their first career varsity goals, showcasing the team's balanced offensive talent.

First Half

It can sometimes be challenging for a superior squad to face an opponent that plays a low press and crowds the defensive third, but the Panthers quickly found their rhythm and got on the board early. In the first five minutes, Boulder opened the scoring with a clever finish from Mikel Mackey. Soon after, junior outside back Zac Sheinbaum beat his man down the right side and delivered a bending cross into the middle that deflected off a Mountain Range defender and found the back of the net — Sheinbaum's first career goal made it 2-0.

Later in the first half, leading scorer Xander Sevian added a trademark strike, curling a shot into the top right corner from just outside the 18-yard box, bringing the score to 3-0.

At this point, Coach Hardy Kalisher began rotating his players, subbing out many starters to give others valuable time on the pitch. The bench players quickly picked up where the starters left off, moving the ball around the field with precision. Player of the game, Will Weber, managed the center of the field effectively, distributing the ball to circulating Panthers in both the midfield and attacking third.

Just before the half ended, Boulder pressed forward again, with outside back Kirby Wolf smartly following up a bouncing ball in the Mountain Range box and touching it over the line to make it 4-0 at halftime.

Second Half

Mountain Range showed heart and determination after the break, knowing they were up against a nationally ranked team. They managed to hold Boulder off for the first 17 minutes of the second half, but the relentless Panther pressure eventually broke through.

The scoring resumed when Caleb Kalisher converted a free kick, followed by a goal from Abe Adamson, who sprinted through the Mustang defense and drove a low ball past the goalkeeper. The final two goals came from Connor Sims, who blasted a 35-yard free kick into the back of the net, and John Crowns, who capped the night with a powerful left-footed strike from 22 yards out into the upper corner.

Though the scoreline was lopsided, Boulder's defense remained sharp throughout the game, avoiding any lapses that might have allowed Mountain Range to slip through. Junior goalkeeper Joey Schwab, who recently became an Eagle Scout, relieved senior Aden Heath after 18 minutes and seamlessly took control, directing the defense and securing the clean sheet.

Next Up:

The Panthers will return home to face Northglenn (5-5, 1-0) on Wednesday, October 9th, at 7:00 PM at Boulder High School. Panther Nation is expected to show up in full force for Jersey Night!

Check Out Game Photos