Tuesday, October 4 at French Field, the boys varsity soccer teams for Fossil Ridge High School and Fort Collins High School took the turf under the lights. The Lambkins are ranked No. 10 in the Class of 5A and Fossil is not ranked so the Sabercats went into the game knowing it was going be a tough match.

The boys came out with fire under their feet, applying intense pressure on the defensive line for Collins. In the first minute of the game a Collins defender fouled a Fossil forward right outside the box, resulting in a free kick for the Sabercats. Grant Martinez stepped up to take the kick and nailed it at the crossbar. The ball got deflected and cleared by the Lambkins.

Throughout the entire first half, the Sabercats dominated the possession and were noticeably the better team. They had several opportunities at goal but weren’t able to execute any of them. Blair Durand had a couple shots on goal that resulted in impressive saves by Collins’ keeper, Alexander Snavely.

The score was tied 0-0 going into halftime.

The second half began with both teams playing with high intensity and physicality. With 27:05 left in the game Collins forward, Derrick Eberling, charged at goal causing Matthew Wilhelm to apply defensive pressure. Eberling made some moves that confused Wilhelm. “Derrick tried to cut across me and meg me but when he touched the ball I got stuck in but it deflected around our keeper, Jake Whitbeck who was coming out to make a save,” stated Wilhelm. The ball went past Whitbeck and into the goal for an own goal on Wilhelm. The Lambkins took the lead, 0-1.

Wilhelm makes the comment about the effect of the own goal on the Fossil team. “I think it was depressing for them to have taken the lead but I also think it sparked something in everyone to work even harder and play better to tie it up and hopefully take the lead for the win.” Wilhelm was correct and the Sabercats went full force against Collins. Everything went forward, making the forwards work extra hard to try and tie it up. With 6 minutes left in the game Durand had an open shot on goal but hit the post, keeping the game at 0-1 in favor of the Lambkins.

The game ended with a final score of 0-1 and a loss for Fossil bringing their record down to 4-6.

After the game, Wilhelm talked about the feedback from his teammates and coach was like after he scored the own goal. “My teammates said it wasn’t my fault, other teammates said it was their fault for not getting back on defense and not winning the original ball out of the air.” And, “My coach said it wasn’t my fault and I did the best I could to prevent the shot and that it was just an unlucky touch. Zach Speed also said that he has had that happen to him plenty of times and knows how it feels but shouldn’t keep bagging on myself for it and need to be focused for the next games coming up.”

The Sabercats take on No. 6 Fairview High School (7-3) on Thursday, October 6 at Fossil’s stadium at 6:00 pm. Come out and support the team at their last home game of the season.