Student-Athlete of the Week: Matt Hansen

The lengthy bus drive south to Pueblo West High School on Aug. 18 was well worth it for the Niwot boys soccer team after senior goalkeeper Matt Hansen pulled off a miraculous 50-yard game-winning goal on a penalty kick. That's right, the goalkeeper.

With just seconds left and the score tied 2-2, Cougar head coach Stephen Dimit called upon Hansen to take the penalty kick. Dimit's decision took into account that Hansen doubles as Niwot football's placekicker, making him no stranger to long distances.

Hansen took his familiar field goal run-up and sent a perfect ball just over the outstretched arms of the Pueblo West goalie to give Niwot a 3-2 season-opener win.

"In my head I was thinking, 'Just put it on target,'" Hansen said. "I was just trying to drop it on the six (yard box). Coach just said 'put it on frame,' and I did that. Eric (Walker) jumped up in front of the keeper, got in his way (so) he couldn't see the ball."

Walker's move proved critical, but Hansen's experience as a field goal kicker helped get the ball where it needed to be.

"It was almost like I just knew how to do it," said Hansen, who was forced to miss Niwot football's pre-season scrimmage against Silver Creek as it was on the same evening. "I didn't have to think, I just knew exactly where I wanted to put it and I just put it there."

The game-winning goal also couldn't have happened without junior Jett Feiner's gutsy play that set up the penalty kick.

"They (Pueblo West) kicked it off (with) seven seconds left and Jett sprints right at the ball, puts his life on the line (and) he gets taken out," Hansen said. "He gets a touch right before the Pueblo (West) midfielder is about to send it long, so he just gets blasted, and Jett won us that foul."

Niwot's win was made even more improbable as the Cougars were down 2-0 with about five minutes left in regulation. Junior Montana Heather then scored his first career goal and not long after, senior Cristian Perez drew a foul in the box that led to senior Aldo Lopez scoring a penalty kick goal.

Hansen, who spent his summer attending soccer ID camps and showcases in hopes of playing in college, was indeed proud of Niwot's all-around effort. But at the same time, he's allowing himself to enjoy a special moment in his athletic career.

"Nothing has ever happened like this in my life," Hansen said. "It's a huge moment not just for me, but for Niwot soccer. It's amazing seeing that goal and then all of my teammates just run out and risking getting cards to celebrate with me."

On Saturday, the goal even gained some statewide attention on the 9News Prep Rally.

"This morning, Dimit says, 'Someone should probably tell Matt that he's on the news,'" Hansen said. "I woke up and I saw that and I was like, 'Oh my goodness, that is amazing.'"