The Pirates boys soccer team launched its season on a good note
Sept. 3, defeating Sheridan 6-0.
The team has a break for the holiday before returning to action
on the road Sept. 8 at George Washington High School. The team then
kicks off the league season against Golden at home Sept. 14. Home
games are played in Englewood High School Stadium and the kickoff
for the Golden game is 6 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for
students with school identification.
Englewood comes into the season with high expectations since
there are 10 returning lettermen on the roster. Coach Bill Gilmore
said his players are all improved since last season, there is
overall good team speed and he is looking forward to a successful
year.
The Pirates got their first test against an opponent Sept. 2 at
home against a talented Littleton team.
It was a spirited battle with both teams exhibiting their
ball-handling and passing skills.
“We played pretty well in the scrimmage,” Gilmore said. “We did
quite a few good things but we aren’t playing as consistently good
as I would like to see. But I think that will come in time.”
Against Sheridan, the Pirates scored four times in the first
half, added a pair of second-half goals while the defense blanked
the Rams.
Jesse Thomas had a hat trick, scoring three goals along with one
assist. Teammate Kaden Downing had a goal and contributed three
assists.
Gustavo Alba and Gabe Green each had a goal for the Pirates
while goalie Justin Fliedner recorded five saves and also
contributed an assist on a Thomas goal to help the team’s winning
effort.
Fliedner was in goal last year but will tell you he is a much
better goalie coming into this season.
“I learned a lot last season and I gained a lot of experience,”
the junior said. “Then, this summer, I attended several goalie
camps to help develop the skills I need in the net.”
He said the Rapids camp was probably the most helpful as he
worked to improve his ball-handling skills as well as punting and
kicking the ball better. He said he comes into the season quicker,
stronger and more confident in his ability to defend the goal.
He also said he is looking forward to the season.
“We are looking pretty good so far,” the goalie said. “Most of
the guys are back from last season and that is a big help because
we know how each other plays so we really work well together as a
team.”
Fliedner said his goal for the season is to do a good job and
help his team win games so they can get to the playoffs and
hopefully into the battle for the state title. He said personally,
he wants to play goalie well enough to earn all-state honors.
