(Andre Lyseight/CHSAANow.com)
DENVER — With the Class 3A soccer playoffs looming, every game is going to count and Wednesday’s contest between KIPP and Denver Science and Tech Stapleton, two teams ranked in this week’s CHSAANow.com boys soccer rankings, had major implications on the line.
And it was KIPP junior forward Jhovani Gonzalez lead his team to a 4-2 victory over DSST-Stapleton by scoring three of his team’s four goals.
What made the win more impressive was that the Tigers were without coach Uli Dahm. Assistant coach Garrett Schuck filled Dahm’s void and KIPP didn’t miss a beat.
“It’s easy to come in when you have a great head coach like Uli Dahm,” said Schuck. “He has implemented this system from the beginning, making it easy to step in his shoes when he is away.”
The Knights controlled the ball from the beginning and junior Victor Delgado almost scored early with attempt barely missing with the ball hitting the top of the goal post. Despite DSST-Stapleton controlling the ball, KIPP was able to put points on the board first. Gonzalez gained possession of the ball and with a powerful toward the center of the net, put his team up 1-0.
DSST-Stapleton sophomore forward Luca Bravo had multiple attempts to score in the first half, but came away empty handed. He had a nice shot up the middle that was blocked by Tigers goalie Julian Hernades.
Moments later he followed up with the same kick that was blocked once again by Hernades, however the ball reflected off his hands setting up Knights senior defender Soco Sandoval for close range goal tying the game at 1-1.
Before the half ended, Gonzalez was able to get the ball in traffic and maneuver his way through the defense with nice goal giving his team 2-1 lead before half.
Coach Schuck gave player of the game to Tigers junior defender Roger Hernandez, who had a great defensive game.
“I think we played good but there is room for improvement,” said Hernandez. “Winning every 50/50 ball, we’ve been working on that a lot. I think that’s what won the game.”
In the second half, KIPP came out more aggressive and controlled the ball. Gonzalez picked up where he left off before half with a nice crossover for an easy goal, putting his team up 3-1. Knights senior middle forward Fethi Elbeshir countered with a penalty kick goal, cutting the KIPP lead to score 3-2 with 17 minutes left in the game.
DSST-Stapleton picked up their intensity to try and erase the KIPP lead. Tigers senior Joe Barrios scored with a clutch kick from a distance putting the score at 4-2. KIPP was able to control the ball and kill time off the clock to end the game.
“I think we played with a lot of heart today,” said Schuck. “We came together as a team. We had a few mental mistakes that led to a few goals. Other than that I think we dominated the game. It was the best showing we had in a few weeks.”
DSST-Stapleton head coach Dave Dombrowski believes his team didn’t play their best Wednesday afternoon.
“They didn’t bring their ‘A’ game,” said Dombrowski. “We got out muscled and hustled by KIPP and they deserved to win. We have to keep playing strong and forget about today’s loss and bring it on Friday.”
The Knights will look to bounce back on Friday against Middle Park. Tigers will wait until next Wednesday to face Lake County.