Coal Ridge boy’s soccer eager for redemption

PEACH VALLEY — Seven one-goal losses left Coal Ridge’s boys soccer program knowing it was on the brink of something amazing.

That, and incredibly frustrated.

“We had a disappointing season last year,” said second-year head coach Brian Blair, whose team finished the year 5-10 overall. “Everyone, from me on down, knows that. Because of that, we’ve been really focused in practice. It looks like the guys are ready to flip it around.”

All but four players from last year’s squad are returning, and all remember too well last season’s heartbreak.

Among those coming back is a huge group of seniors, including forwards J.J. Riddile and Darwin Cortez, defenders Tyler Reece and Dylan Von Roekel, midfielders Efrain Garcia and Eric Schmitz and goalkeeper Arrick Peck.

“We have a pretty veteran team,” Blair said.

A veteran team that wants to challenge the likes of Basalt, Aspen and Vail Mountain for a playoff spot from the 3A Western Slope League.

And reverse some of those one-goal defeats.

“There wasn’t really a single point last year where we felt like we were playing our best,” Blair said. “We think, as a team, if we play up to our potential, we can turn most of those games into victories.”

Ackerman’s Rams young, brimming with potential

CARBONDALE — Roaring Fork head boys soccer coach John Ackerman likes his team’s chances in 2008.

Last year, the Rams flashed promise in posting a 4-6-3 overall record. Losing only four seniors leaves them with an experienced core hoping to capitalize on their potential. How well the team’s nucleus jells with a large cast of newcomers is what will dictate Roaring Fork’s success.

Among the returners are senior defender Bryan Salinas, junior midfielder Diego Rubio and goalkeeper Anthony Flores, who handled the junior varsity keeping duties last season with Torrey Udall in goal for the varsity squad.

Ackerman firmly believes his team can improve on last year’s middle-of-the-pack showing.

“We’d certainly like to keep that or better that as far as standing goes,” he said. “I know we have a lot of work to do.”

Meshing the returning talent with the newcomers will be the biggest test for the 2008 Rams.

“I think we’ve got a lot of potential,” Ackerman said. “We have good chemistry. Players just need to get beyond little

frustrations trying to play together, understanding concepts. That tends to happen when you get a lot of new players at the sophomore, junior level. It takes a little bit of a time.”

CARBONDALE — Colorado Rocky Mountain School looks to turn its fortunes around in 2008.
The Oysters enter the season after putting up a 1-10-1 record in 2007, a year in which the school notched its only win over crosstown rival Roaring Fork. CRMS beat the Rams 3-2 on Oct. 10.

CRMS looks to turn it around

CARBONDALE — Colorado Rocky Mountain School looks to turn its fortunes around in 2008.

The Oysters enter the season after putting up a 1-10-1 record in 2007, a year in which the school notched its only win over crosstown rival Roaring Fork. CRMS beat the Rams 3-2 on Oct. 10.

2008 3A Boys Soccer Coal Ridge Head coach: Brian Blair, second year. Key returners: Senior F J.J. Riddile, senior F Darwin Cortez, senior D Tyler Reece, senior D Dylan Von Roekel, senior MF Efrain Garcia, senior MF Eric Schmitz, senior GK Arrick Peck. Seniors lost: D Max Peterson, D Milton Arroyo, MF Juan Rodriguez, GK Skyler James. How the Titans fared in 2007: Finished up the regular season with a 5-10 overall record. The Titans were 4-8 in the 3A Western Slope League. First game: Thursday at home against Rifle, 4 p.m. Roaring Fork Head coach: John Ackerman, second year. Key returners: Senior D Bryan Salinas, junior MF Diego Rubio, junior GK Anthony Flores, senior Dave Cappa. Seniors lost: GK Torrey Udall, Alex Hernandez, Miguel Gonzalez, James Armstrong. How the Rams fared in 2007: Finished the season 4-6-3 overall and 3-6-3 in the 3A Western Slope League. First game: Sept. 2 at home against Hotchkiss, 4 p.m. Colorado Rocky Mountain School Head coach: Dan Pittz, fourth year. How the Oysters fared in 2007: Posted a 1-10-1 mark that stood as both the team’s overall and 3A Western Slope League record. First game: Sept. 3 at Basalt, 4 p.m.