Broomfield – It’s not easy being the new pieces of a successful puzzle.
Such is life early on this season for the Broomfield defense, the only new component of a top-ranked Eagles boys soccer team coming off a Class 4A state championship.
“There’s a little pressure, but I try to put that behind me for the game,” junior goalie Ben Sabados said after Thursday’s season opener against Northern League rival Niwot.
Sabados didn’t have much to do early on as the Eagles blitzed the Cougars for three goals before halftime en route to a comfortable 3-0 victory at Elizabeth Kennedy Stadium.
The Eagles’ defense was solid and Sabados made just two late saves to preserve the shutout as Broomfield (1-0, 1-0 league) won its 14th consecutive game dating to last season.
Junior forward Kyle Reddy opened the scoring in the 15th minute and added a second a little more than a minute after senior Ryan Garren made it 2-0 when he rifled a low shot through the legs of defender Luke Habermehl.
The Eagles’ attacked from the onset and had the Cougars on their heels throughout the first half with a fast-paced possession game. They outshot Niwot 10-2 and had a 6-1 advantage in corner kicks.
“We definitely came out strong today,” said Reddy, who seemed to spend the entire night in dangerous positions around the Niwot goal. “We had a lot of intensity, and we really wanted this result.”
The seventh-ranked and senior-laden Cougars (0-1, 0-1), who were beaten 5-0 by Broomfield last season, were noticeably tight for the first 40 minutes and struggled to contain the rampant Eagles. The Cougars got away from their direct game in the second half and had better success attacking on the flanks.
“It took them, it seemed like, the whole first half to loosen up and play their game, and when they finally started linking some stuff together, they relaxed,” second-year Niwot coach Jeremy Drake said.
Reddy’s first goal was more of a tap-in on a shot by returning 4A player of the year and All-Colorado midfielder Ryan Aweida. With starting goalie Corey Parker off his line, Aweida hammered a shot on frame that struck Reddy’s leg and stopped just outside the goal.
Reddy had to fight for his second when he chased a knifing pass from defensive midfielder Marlin Boyer. Reddy fought off defender Ryan Meske and punched a shot past Parker just as he was knocked to the ground.
Niwot 0 0 – 0
Broomfield 3 0 – 3
Goals – Reddy (Aweida), 15th minute; Garren (unassisted), 32nd; Reddy (Boyer), 33rd.
Shots on goal – Niwot 0-2 – 2; Broomfield 5-5 – 10. Saves – Niwot (Parker, 40 minutes; Tolooee 40) 2-5 – 7; Broomfield (Sabados) 0-2 – 2. Offsides – Niwot 1-0 – 1; Broomfield 3-3 – 6. Corner kicks – Niwot 0-1 – 1; Broomfield 3-3 – 6. Fouls – Niwot 4-9 – 13; Broomfield 14-4 – 18. Yellow card – Meske, N, 48th minute.
