The soccer-rich Class 3A Metropolitan League just got deeper.
Largely on the fringes since winning its second consecutive state title in 1999, Colorado Academy jumped back into the ring Wednesday by knocking out the defending champions.
Sophomore Alex Gunberg scored two stylish goals and goalie Bobby Thalman made six saves as the 10th-ranked Mustangs roughed up top-ranked Peak to Peak for a 2-0 victory.
The Mustangs (2-1-2, 1-1-1 in league) countered the Pumas’ up-and-down possession game with direct, physical and aggressive play and managed to shut the visitors down offensively through most of the second half.
Each of Gunberg’s goals was the result of persistence capped off by fine finishing.
“It was mainly working around the defense, hustling a lot and making them work, and hopefully, they make a mistake,” Gunberg said.
Gunberg broke the deadlock with just two minutes remaining in an exciting first half.
Forward Jake Sally flicked the ball towards the Pumas’ goal and defender Greg Borchers tried to head it back to goalie Tyler Weber for the clearance. But Gunberg swooped in and in a blur managed to slice an arcing shot just past the onrushing Weber.
The Mustangs took fewer chances in the second half, but Gunberg still found a way to put the game away.
With 21 minutes remaining, the quick forward carried the ball for nearly 40 yards down the right side of Peak to Peak’s defense. Gunberg dribbled by Ricky Urwiller and then skipped past defender Caleb Bostic before beating Weber with a low shot to his far post.
“I just decided to go and take a chance, see what happens,” Gunberg said.
The Pumas (6-2, 2-1) were dangerous early, nearly scoring on Chris Bostic’s header in the ninth minute, Urwiller’s shot in the 15th and Josh Roos’ low blast in the 34th. The Pumas rarely threatened in the second half and didn’t get their first shot until the 70th minute.
“We usually are a possession team, and we didn’t play the ball very quickly,” Pumas coach Peter Chandler said. “It wasn’t one of our best games, but credit to (Colorado Academy).”
“They played it right,” Chandler continued. “They played it the way they had to, and it was very effective. They put us out of our game.”
Colorado Academy looks like a viable dark horse in a league full of talented squads like Faith Christian, Kent Denver, Holy Family and Denver Christian.
Peak to Peak 0 0 – 0
Colorado Academy 1 1 – 2
Goals – Gunberg (unassisted), 38th minute; Gunberg (unassisted), 59th.
Shots on goal – Peak to Peak 5-2 – 7; Colorado Academy 4-1 – 5. Saves – Peak to Peak (Weber) 3-0 – 3; Colorado Academy (Thalman) 4-2 – 6. Offsides – Peak to Peak 0-0 – 0; Colorado Academy 1-1 – 2. Corner kicks – Peak to Peak 2-3 – 5; Colorado Academy 1-0 – 1. Fouls – Peak to Peak 4-8 – 12; Colorado Academy 5-10 – 15. Yellow cards – None.
