Colorado Rocky Mountain School’s Mathew Myers, number 9, and Roaring Fork High School’s Angel Calderon battle for position during the first half of the team’s match-up on Saturday afternoon.
Chad Spangler Post Independent
CARBONDALE, Colorado — Two teams who know each other very well, battled to a 1-1 tie on Saturday afternoon after regulation and two five-minute overtime periods.
Roaring Fork got on the board first against the Colorado Rocky Mountain School with a goal in the 41st minute, just as the second half got underway to take the 1-0 lead. The goal snapped a first half scoring drought that, in large part, was due to two staunch defenses. Throughout that opening half, the Rams had opportunities in their opponent’s end of the field only to see them slip by.
That’s what made the goal from J.R. Ackerman so exciting. The Rams player was able to successfully fight through a great defensive effort and score the goal.
Unfortunately, that was all the offense they would manage during the contest, leaving it up to their stingy defense to hold the Oysters scoreless for another period.
Midway through the second half however, that dream was vanquished when the referee called a close play in the goal box, a hand ball and thus a penalty kick opportunity for the Oysters and Noah Johnes converted to tie it up.
With more than 20 minutes remaining, both teams had many opportunities to break the tie, but were just unable to capitalize on their chances. Credit has to go to both goalies for a couple of solid efforts for their respective teams.
Rams head coach John Ackerman wasn’t disappointed with his team’s effort and actually likes the way his team is progressing so far to start the season.
“I’m actually kind of hoping for more of the same,” Ackerman said. “I thought the guys played well. We need to work on keeping the wings moving up the field more but we’ve come a long way with support so I’m pleased with that.”
Ackerman wouldn’t address the controversial call that gave the Oysters their penalty kick, though.
“I don’t want to go there with the call,” he said. “We get enough close calls throughout the year so you have to just let it go.”
Roaring Fork outshot the Oysters 13-7 for the game.
Next up for Roaring Fork is a home match against Vail Mountain on Tuesday followed by a trip out to Basalt on Thursday.