Under the lights on a breezy Tuesday night, Boulder High Boys Soccer delivered a statement victory that left no room for doubt. The Panthers stormed into Centaurus, battled through a physical contest, and walked away with a commanding 4-0 win. The victory keeps Boulder's record flawless at 4-0 and vaults them into the top spot in CHSAA's Class 5A rankings, knocking Cherry Creek down to #2. Centaurus, who hadn't conceded a goal all season, was handed their first bruise and now sits at 3-1.
A Sluggish Start and Physical Play
The game kicked off with Centaurus appearing to control the early action, controlling possession for the first 20 minutes as Boulder struggled to find their rhythm. The Warriors' midfield dictated the flow of the game early on, but that would be the last of their control. As the game progressed, Boulder settled in, and Centaurus couldn't maintain their momentum.
The match was physical from the opening whistle, with half a dozen yellow cards issued as tensions flared. Both teams battled hard for control, but Boulder's quick passes and tight defense began to wear down Centaurus as the half drew to a close.
Gallery: (9-10-2024) Boys Soccer vs Centaurus 9-010-2024
A Lightning Strike to Close the First Half
Then, with just 1:15 left before halftime, Boulder's Mikel Mackey turned the tide. The junior midfielder, known for his sharp vision and quick footwork, drew Centaurus goalkeeper Nicholas Jones out of position and calmly slotted the ball into the left side of the net to open the scoring. Mackey's goal, though it came after a collision that briefly knocked him out of the game, gave Boulder the spark they needed.
Just 27 seconds later, the Panthers pounced again. Xander Sevian, the team's assist leader, capitalized on the shift in momentum, burying his first goal of the night to give Boulder a 2-0 lead at the break.
Second-Half Dominance
The second half saw Boulder take full control of the game with the Boulder midfield suffocating Centaurus' play. In the 63rd minute, Sevian curled a free kick over the Centaurus wall and into the back of the net, extending the lead to 3-0. Sevian, not satisfied with two goals, completed his hat trick later in the half with a perfect assist from David Bojorquez, putting the game well out of Centaurus' reach and quieting the taunts of the Centaurus student section.
Sevian's performance earned him Player of the Game honors, as his three-goal showcase led Boulder to a comfortable victory. The Panthers' attack was fluid, their defense impenetrable, and their physical play matched Centaurus blow for blow.
A Wall in Goal
While Boulder's offense was on full display, their defense remained rock solid. Aden Heath recorded six saves and his second shutout of the season, keeping Centaurus off the scoreboard and the starting four defenders for Boulder (Junior Zac Sheinbaum, Senior Devon Lyons, Senior Logan Coughlin, and Senior Santiago Martinez Garcia) only allowed 4 shots on goal all game. Heath has only allowed two goals in four games, providing a strong backbone for Boulder's perfect start.
Stats Summary
Looking Ahead: A Clash of Titans
Next up for Boulder is a showdown with undefeated Cherry Creek, currently ranked #2 in the state. With both teams yet to lose, this match promises to be an all-out battle for the top spot. The Panthers will defend their new #1 ranking this Thursday at 7:00 PM at Recht Field, and with the energy surging through the team, it's a match you won't want to miss. Panther Nation, come out and support your team as they face their toughest test yet.
