MANITOU SPRINGS – As the seconds ticked away in the first overtime period, the intensity of Manitou Springs’ offensive attack noticeably picked up.
The Mustangs had already tied the game after giving up a goal early in the second half to The Academy, but there was a definitive sense of urgency in the 15-minute extra time period after regulation.
A shot of the crossbar and scrum in front of the next, led Alexander Steger to bury the shot home with 15 seconds on the clock, sending the No. 10 Mustangs into the second round of the Class 3A boys soccer state tournament.
Steger had also scored the first goal for the Mustangs which tied the game about midway through the second half. He has scored the last five goals that the team has netted dating back to the team’s 3-3 tie against James Irwin to end the regular season.
Manitou takes on No. 7 Frontier Academy at 3 p.m. on Tuesday. The Wolverines advanced thanks to a golden goal of their own to beat Prospect Ridge Academy 1-0 in the first round.
(8) Roaring Fork 3, (25) Timnath 0
The Rams scored once in the first half then added a pair of goals in the second to beat the Cubs in the first round.
Roaring Fork will host Liberty Common, a 5-0 winner over Salida, on Tuesday.
(17) Harrison 2, (16) Woodland Park 1
With the game locked in a 1-1 in the second half, it was a long strike from Freddy Flores that got Harrison out in front, leading to one of just two first-round upsets on the bracket.
Freddy Flores strikes from the left corner of the field (23 yards) to give Harrison a 2-1 lead
35:10 left in the second
— Marcus 𝔏. Hill (Vino 🐍) (@MarcusLHill) October 26, 2023
Harrison gets to take on No. 1 Colorado Academy in the second round after the Mustangs beat Lamar 4-0 to open their postseason run.
(19) Basalt 5, (14) DSST: College View
The Longhorns were the only other lower-seeded team than Woodland Park to make it out of the first round.
Brandon Alfaro-Rivas netted a hat-trick while Eric Vasquez and Marcos Gonzalez also scored goals to help Basalt advance.
The Longhorns will travel to Peak to Peak who came away with the biggest Round 1 win on Wednesday, beating Bayfield 11-1.
Other 3A boys soccer scores:
- (2) Kent Denver 4, (31) Middle Park 1
- (4) Forge Christian 2, (29) Aurora West College Prep Academy 1
- (5) Arrupe Jesuit 3, (28) Jefferson Academy 0
- (6) Rifle 5, (27) Rocky Mountain Prep SMART 2
- (11) Fort Lupton 3, (22) Stargate School 0
- (12) DSST: Conservatory Greek 5, (21) James Irwin 0
- (13) KIPP Denver Collegiate 2, (20) Eagle Ridge Academy 1
- (15) Coal Ridge 2, (18) Atlas Prep 1
