Courtney Jones
South Coloradan
The Adams State Men’s Soccer team struggled this past weekend in their three game tournament in Salt Lake City and St. George Utah.
The Grizzlies first opponents were the Griffins of Westminster College, led by goal scorers senior Isaac Green, senior Justin Solomon, and sophomore Matt Jimenez. The Grizzlies fought back with a goal from junior Chase Talbot but were unable to hold back the strong Griffin offense. Westminster won the game with a final score of 3-1.
The Grizzlies shook off the loss and moved on to their next opponent, the Embry-Riddle Eagles from Arizona. The first half of play was even and ended in a 1-0 lead, the goal scored by Eagles Gage Palmer to give his team a slight edge leading into half time. The second half was not quite as even as the pace quickened and the physicality escaladed. A total of 9 cautions were given, 7 of those to the Grizzlies including two ejections of Coach Josh Nolker and Rami Avalos. These cautions forced the Grizzlies down to a 10 v 11 situation, and then after another implication, they were down to 9 v 11 with less than four minutes of game time. The Eagles capitalized on the situation and finished the game with a 4 1 win. The Grizzlies lone goal was scored by Bryan Heath, who would later be carded and have to leave the field. Eric Byrd was in goal for Adams State, his first start of the season, and tallied 5 saves in the intense battle.
The Grizzlies then moved on to their final game of the tournament against Dixie State, played at Hansen Stadium in St. George, Utah. This matchup proved to be the most even of the three, as both teams battled for regulation and overtime. The Grizzlies came out with force and scored the first goal of the match at the 8:18 mark giving them their first ever 1-0 lead. The goal was scored by Jesse Dunbar, who was assisted by teammate Peter Freeman.
The Red Storm of Dixie State was not to be held back though, as Parker Kennah tied it up with a penalty kick early in the second half. The battle would resume until the 90 minute mark when the teams were forced into overtime play. Kennah was again rewarded with a penalty kick in the beginning of the first part of overtime but his attempts were thwarted by ASC keeper Jarod Thomas who had an impressive 13 saves, a school record. The game ended in a hard fought 1-1 tie, which leaves the Grizzlies at a record of 0-5-3 on the season. ASC gets a well deserved break for the next twelve days before returning to the field against the University of the Southeast in Hobbs, New Mexico.
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