The Fossil Ridge soccer team lost their final home game of the season against Fort Collins 2-1 after an onslaught of penalties late in the match. 

The Sabercats trailed early, allowing a goal within the first minute off a Collins free kick. Fossil bounced back, pressuring the Collins defense with constant ball possession.

The pressure paid off, as the Sabercats scored their first goal late in the first half. The goal was scored by senior Pedro Peres. Peres was one of eleven Fossil seniors who were celebrated before their final home game.

Both teams tightened down their defenses, as there were limited offensive chances for both Fossil and Fort Collins. Collins started to rebound, increasing offensive pressure late in the second half. The officiating tightened up as well, calling more defensive fouls during the last ten minutes.

This change in officiating cost the Sabercats, as they were called for two penalty kicks. Fort Collins  were unable to convert on the first PK, but were able to score during the second, with under a minute left in the game.

The teams got more chippy late, resulting in a pair of red cards late in the game, one on each squad. Coach Dan Weiss was displeased with the officiating during those final minutes.

“It happens in every league, every situation…fouls are getting called on you left and right, it’s hard to control the game…that’s not on the players, it’s part of the game, unfortunately we fell into place, we don’t want to play like that either,” Weiss said.

Fossil will look to bounce back on October 21 one the road against Horizon, before the opening round of the playoffs, which takes place on October 27.