MHS soccer sweeps Durango

MONTROSE — Montrose jumped on the board first with a free kick by Rick Zatarin from the 18-yard marker with little under five minutes to go before half, giving the Indians a 1-0 lead. Throughout the first half the physical play was evident from both sides.

“It means a lot to us, we haven’t beaten them in three years, and to come back to beat them twice in the same year is pretty intense, and we beat them on our home field which is pretty sweet,” said senior forward Steven Tobler.

The second half proved to be a little more physical than the first. The Demons found themselves trailing 2-0, after a breakaway score by Tobler in the 59th minute of the second half.  

“They were frustrated they couldn’t get anything to go, they had some opportunities but couldn’t get anything to finish. We had our opportunities and we finished them,” said MHS head coach Jim Lewis.

The Demons, who recorded two yellow cards in the game, had a couple of golden opportunities to score, but were denied by Indians’ goalkeeper Rob McLaren. 

“The kids new they had to keep their heads and play team ball, and that’s what they did and I’m really proud of them, “ Lewis said.

 Montrose was going for the shutout late into the second half, but came up just short after allowing a goal by the Demons with just a few minutes left in the game. The goal proved to be too little too late, giving the Indians their eighth victory on the season and leaving them with a 6-1 record and sole possession of first place in the Southwestern League. Up next for the Indians is Cortez. Game time is at 11 a.m. and will be played on Montrose’s field. 

“The game against Cortez is huge, they need a win to even hope to get into the playoffs. They play us tough every time they’re here. I expect a battle.” Lewis said.