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KIPP Denver ends Coal Ridge’s unbeaten run in 3A quarters, 2-0

The Coal Ridge High School boys soccer team finally met its perfect match in KIPP Denver Collegiate Saturday in the quarterfinal round of the 3A state playoffs, falling 2-0 to the White Tigers in Denver.

The loss was the first in this shortened spring season for the Titans, who ran the tables to win the 3A Western Slope League and earn the fifth seed at 9-0 coming into the 16-team state tournament.

KIPP, the fourth seed now at 12-0 after the Saturday win, scored on a penalty kick in the first half. That was quickly followed by a second goal off a nice shot from the wing, Coal Ridge coach Mike Mikalakis said.



“We bounced back and played the second half controlling possession and shots on goal,” he said. “But we couldn’t find the back of the net.

“They were a pretty organized and physical team. … That score on the penalty kick was a tough goal to bounce back from.”



Coal Ridge defeated Middle Park 3-0 in New Castle in the first round of the playoffs on Thursday.

The Saturday loss marked the final game in a Titans jersey for six seniors: Cody Connor, Jack Price, Brandon Nunez, Moises Contreras, Dominic Centeno and Samuel Fulk.

“It was a great season for the Titans, and I’m proud to have had the opportunity to coach these graduating seniors,” Mikalakis said.

Coal Ridge finishes at 10-1 and will look to return a strong contingent of players when the normal fall season is expected come August.

Senior Reporter/Managing Editor John Stroud can be reached at 970-384-9160 or jstroud@postindependent.com.

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