Coal Ridge, Roaring Fork keep conference title hopes alive in 0-0 stalemate
It was a slow day for Coal Ridge and Roaring Fork goalkeepers Colbran Ingelhart and Kevin Cisneros, who each turned away all of the few shots that made their way towards the net during a 0-0 draw on Tuesday night. The match, played on senior night for the Titans, left the Western Slope league title undecided, as No. 3 Roaring Fork remains unbeaten in conference play at 5-0-1, while the No. 13 Titans moved to 3-1-2.
The game had its share of heart-stopping moments. Coal Ridge nearly struck first late in the first half, as a corner kick slipped through a crowd of Titans and Rams, but no one could connect, leaving the score locked at zero. Roaring Fork countered quickly, with senior Emiliano Galindo sprinting downfield for a clear look at goal. His shot soared just over the crossbar, sending a collective sigh of relief through the Coal Ridge crowd as the half ended scoreless.
The second half saw both teams push the pace, trading chances as the clock ticked down. Coal Ridge junior George Roberts made a daring run past defenders, but his shot found only the side netting. Roaring Fork’s Cal Stone nearly capitalized on a quick counter, but the Titans’ defense quickly snuffed out the opportunity.
As the game drew closer to full time, Coal Ridge senior captain Brayden Dacuma showed off his skills, weaving through Roaring Fork’s defense and firing a cross into the box. The ball sailed past the goalmouth with no Titan there to tap it in, leaving another chance unclaimed.
Roaring Fork had a chance to steal the game late, as senior Fernando Rodrigues-Candela curled a cross to Sam Brennan, whose shot seemed destined for the net. But Ingelhart, who had been solid all night when given the chance, made a stunning diving save to keep the Rams off the board. Minutes later, he did it again, stretching out to deny Briston Grimm’s long-range strike.
Ingelhart’s performance drew praise from Coal Ridge head coach Mike Mikalakis.
“He’s a fantastic keeper and a great leader in the backfield,” he said. “I was holding my breath on that diving save at the end of the game, but (Ingelhart) is that kind of goalkeeper who makes those saves. Those angled shots can be tricky, but he handled them well.”
The Titans had one last gasp with under a minute to play. Dacuma launched a powerful shot from distance that skimmed just past the post, bringing a dramatic finish to a game that never saw a goal but was packed with intensity from the first whistle.
Roaring Fork head coach Nick Forbes felt his team was a bit too cautious.
“I think there was a little bit of pressure on the boys,” Forbes said. “It’s an away game against a historically very good program. I felt we played a little bit with a handbrake on.”
Forbes added that a win would have secured the league title, and the Rams missed a chance to wrap it up.
“I think we dominated and had more chances,” he said. “It still puts us in pretty good shape for the league.”
Mikalakis was proud of his team’s effort, especially on senior night.
“I think we played a fantastic game of soccer today,” Mikalakis said. “It’s not the outcome you want, but Roaring Fork is a heck of a team, and we played some of our best ball all year.”
For Dacuma, the game had extra meaning as his final home match.
“I think we played well considering the rankings,” Dacuma said. “We just didn’t let it get to our heads. Obviously we wanted this one tonight for the seniors but we are happy with our play.”
Dacuma added that the team has bigger goals.
“We expect to win state, and we won’t stop until that happens.”
The Titans will next travel to face off against the Middle Park Panthers on Saturday. The Rams next take on the Montrose Red Hawks in an away matchup on Tuesday.
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