LAKEWOOD — Columbine boys soccer is one victory or tie away from something it hasn’t done in 20 years … capture a Jeffco League title.
“It’s crazy. It’s been a long time,” Columbine senior Brayden Quintana said of the conference championship drought for the Rebels’ boys soccer program. “It feels great to have this family that we’ve build this year.”
The Rebels last won a Jeffco League title back in 2004 when Columbine won three straight Jeffco 11 League titles from 2002 to 2004.
Columbine (12-0, 4-0 in Class 5A Jeffco League) faces Ralston Valley (7-3-2, 3-0-1) in both teams’ league finale at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17, at Lakewood Memorial Field. A Rebel win or tie would give the conference title to Columbine. The Mustangs need a victory over Columbine to successfully defend its league title it won in 2023.
“It’s going to be a battle,” Columbine coach Paul Moline said of the big match-up against Ralston Valley on Thursday night. “It is another great team. They bring a completely different style than any other team that we’ve seen. It is going to be an interesting game for sure.”
Against Valor on Tuesday night at Lakewood Memorial Field, the Rebels got a big first-half goal by senior LJ Melucci and a early second-half penalty kick goal by senior Brayden Quintana on the way to a 2-1 victory.
“At times we played really well. At times we were a little frantic, and it was because what the other team (Valor) was bringing at us,” Moline said. “That is sometime we can work on in the next couple of days. Showing a little bit more composure playing with a lead.”
Melucci was composed scoring in the 13th minute on a low shot was changed directly slightly after it deflected off a Valor defender before finding the back of the net.
“If it goes on frame you never know,” Moline said of Melucci’s team-leading 14th goal of the season. “He is so unselfish too. I’m really proud of him.”
Columbine added onto the 1-0 halftime lead in the 44th minute. Quintana knocked in the penalty kick despite a little friendly heckling from some Eagles.
“When I was about to take the PK I’ve got some friends over there (Valor players) that were saying, ‘Don’t be scared Brayden’,” Quintana said. “After I scored I shushed them.”
Valor (5-4-3, 1-2-1) didn’t stay quiet. The Eagles scored in the 49th minute to cut the lead in half. Senior Harrison Bronson buried a rebound past Columbine junior goalie Landon Bedoy.
However, Valor couldn’t get the equalizer on Senior Day for the Rebels.
“It is really hard coming off a weekend and playing a Monday game,” Moline said. “For us to come out and do it after a light Friday practice, I’m pretty happy with them.”
Columbine has some time to get ready for its big showdown with Ralston Valley that will determine the league champion.
“I think there is a little more pressure, but I believe we can do it,” Quintana said. “Ralston Valley is a good team, but if we play like we did tonight I believe we can win.”
Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Public Schools
