The Fossil Ridge soccer team impressed in a huge home win against the Smoky Hill Buffaloes 9-1.

Despite the favorable outcome, the game didn’t start out well for the Sabercats. After forty minutes of action, Fossil found themselves trailing 0-1. 

After halftime, the Sabercats were able to make serious adjustments. These changes paid immediate dividends, scoring nine goals in the half, and three in the first ten minutes. 

“I feel that [our adjustments were to]  just simplify the game, slowing the pitch down, and connecting on passes first instead of going straight to the goal,” said senior captain Sterling Bellindir.

Bellendir filled out a great offensive day for himself, netting two goals within five minutes. However, the senior captain wasn’t satisfied with just two, adding another one in the late stages of the game.

“It felt real good at the end, you always feel goal hungry late in the game, trying to get more and more. I really wanted that third one and when I got it it was satisfying,” Bellendir said.

Despite his outstanding efforts, Bellendir was sure to highlight the important role the entire team played in the victory. 

“But you know it’s not about [the hat trick]. It’s about the way we played as a team and what we can do to build off of this,” Bellendir said. 

With this win, Fossil Ridge improves to 2-2-1, and look to get back on track after their slow start. The team is eager to prove that in spite of major roster changes, the Sabercats are the same resilient team from last year. 

“We’re hoping to carry forward, realize we have something special, but we just have to continue on and play with each other to reveal it,” Bellendir said.

Fossil will get a major chance to test their skills on the road against No.6 ranked Denver East High School on Friday, September 16.