Niwot tops Brighton in season opener

Senior Jared Osteen didn’t wait very long to make his mark on the 2019 season. With just 90 seconds gone in Niwot’s season debut against Brighton, the forward found some open space in front of the Bulldogs’ net for the Cougars’ first score of the year. He would go on to add an assist in the second half, and ended the game with a total of eight shots, five of those on goal. Afterwards, fourth-year head coach Stephen Dimit said he expects Osteen to embrace his leading role on offense.

“He had a good summer and I think the game slowed down for him,” Dimit said following the team’s 2-1 win in the opener. “He’s been going great things in practices and now in the game.” 

Led by Osteen, Niwot’s offense didn’t seem to suffer much in the way of opening night jitters. The Cougars dominated possession in both halves, and ended with 24 total shots, including the game winner by senior Ethan Hansen in the second half on what Dimit called, “our simplest play.” 

Though not many of their other shots turned into goals, Dimit was largely pleased with the team’s attack.

“Our shot finishing can definitely improve, but we moved the ball really well. Overall, I think I pass count is going to be astronomical. It was good, and, like I told the guys, we get to learn a bunch of stuff after a win.”

He was also heartened by the play of the defense, which allowed just a handful of shots on goal. Unfortunately, one of those was a Brighton penalty kick in the 70th minute that forestalled a Niwot shutout. Nonetheless, Dimit felt that his team’s backfield turned in a solid performance.

Those five have played together for a full year now, and we’re fortunate to basically have five starters in four starting positions,” he said. “They’re really comfortable together, and Carter [Kruse] had an outstanding day.”

Unfortunately, the Cougars weren’t able to capitalize on their momentum coming out of Brighton, and fell to defending state champions Air Academy 4-1 on Aug. 30. The Cougars will be back in action against Skyview on Sept. 5.