The Fossil Ridge soccer team defeated the Rock Canyon Jaguars 2-1 in overtime, advancing to the state semifinals for the second time in team history.

The Sabercats started the game off slow, suffocated by the heavy defensive style of Rock Canyon. The Jaguars scored late in the first half, as Fossil trailed 1-0 heading into halftime. 

After the first goal, senior defender Peyton Hoyt collided heads with a Rock Canyon player, and unfortunately had to be removed for the remainder of the first half to be treated by the trainer. However, Hoyt returned for the second half, and continued to play through the pain, leading his team to victory.

“It meant everything, especially knowing this might be my last ride with some of these guys. I just want to lay it all out on the field, hope things fall our way, and keep this streak going,” Hoyt said.

Fossil came out of halftime with a renewed sense of confidence, scoring early in the second half. The goal came from senior forward Nathan Riess after a great crossing pass from captain Will Boyle. This marked Riess’ second goal in the playoffs, and a total of seven goals this year.

For the third consecutive game Fossil ended regulation tied, and were forced to go into golden goal for the fifth time this year. 

The game continued back and forth in overtime, but it was senior forward Pedro Peres who broke the tie, scoring from over fifty feet away. Peres had the assist on the game-winner against Boulder, as well as scoring the only goal against Cherry Creek.

“As soon as I got the ball I knew it was going in. I had no doubt in my mind, I knew I was going to score that…it’s being confident knowing that no matter who we play if we do our job we’re gonna come out on top,” Peres said.

Fossil has now won three straight playoff games during their run to the semifinals, and are the only team this year to win all three games on the road on their way to the semifinals.

“…they’ve been in overtime before and they know what it takes…tired, beat up, sick, whatever it is they come in and push through…it’s fun to see,” said head coach Daniel Weiss.

The Fossil Ridge soccer team will play their semifinal matchup against Castle View on Wednesday, November 10, at 7:30 pm at the Denver University Soccer Stadium.