With scrimmages in just under two weeks on August 17th against Colorado Academy, Battle Mountain and Steamboat Springs, the Spartan soccer team is getting geared up for what they hope is an electric campaign on the pitch.
Last season, the Spartans made a run into the quarterfinals of the 3A CHSAA State Playoffs before being eliminated by Roaring Fork in a 1-0 loss. The team was led by senior Jesse Burns in goals scored with 15 on the campaign and senior Felix Roberts contributing with 7 of his own. Those two scorers will be tough to replace for the Spartans, and the offense will need to find an answer to finishing the attack.
It’s not all loss for the Spartans though, as they are bringing back Quinn Bosanko who was tied for third in the state with 20 assists last season, and will once again be a key piece for the Spartans this season in the middle of the field distributing the ball. Also, I am looking forward to the renewed efforts of now sophomore Flyn Brown who worked his way onto the varsity pitch with consistency through the year and was the second leading goal scorer for the Spartans with 9 by seasons end.
In the net, the Spartans will have to find a way to replace Zane Timko, who posted 4 shutouts for Salida in 17 games. His backup last season was Quinn Phillips, who as a freshman spend some time in net, but will have a sharp learning curve as he takes over the keeper duties this season.
He will be helped out by a defensive core that only lost two starters from last years group. Captain Bowman Russell will be back this season, but the Spartans lose three seniors from their defensive line. With good leadership from Russell and fellow returner Colby Pitts, the Spartans should find their rhythms by the early to mid season push.
Salida opens their season against Canon City on August 29th at home. Broadcast for Salida soccer are schedule for the 19th of September against Coal Ridge and October 3rd against James Irwin on Facebook Live.
Caleb’s prediction: 9-4-2 regular season and a berth in the quarterfinals.
