Niwot soccer falls just short of comeback against Longmont

When the nights begin to cool and feel like fall, the league kicks off for Niwot boys soccer, and competitive games start in earnest. This year, the Cougars' league includes several nearby rivals, including Skyline High School, Silver Creek High School, and Longmont High School.

Longmont was the Cougars' first local opponent of the season last Thursday, Oct. 3. Longmont entered the match undefeated, fielding a cohesive, experienced team. They had scored an impressive 29 goals so far this season and had dominated Skyline 4-0 in their only league game to date.

When the whistle blew, Niwot looked to attack right away on their home turf, probing the Trojan defense with long aerial through-balls that were quickly gathered by the Longmont keeper.

Longmont struck at their first opportunity and quickly took a 1-0 lead. Despite going down early, Niwot continued to press, earning a few corners and free kicks, all of which were repelled by the Trojan defense. Again, Longmont countered and earned a corner kick of their own, scoring on a header to go up 2-0.

Shocked by the two-goal deficit, the Cougars struggled to regain their footing throughout the rest of the first half. But they couldn't string together enough passes to create space for a quality shot on goal. Just before halftime, Longmont netted another goal, making it 3-0. The third goal was particularly demoralizing, as it encapsulated a half in which both teams had opportunities but only Longmont was able to capitalize on them.

Coming into the match, Niwot's strength had been their defense which was the opposite of Longmont's offensive firepower. Before conceding five goals to Fairview High School on Sept. 26, the Cougars had allowed only two goals across their first seven games.

Down 3-0 at the half against Longmont, Niwot tried to shift gears, push up the field and commit more players forward to create chances and, most importantly, goals.

After a huge early save in the second half by Niwot keeper Malachi Gilmore, the Cougars began to gain momentum. Their speed on the wings, particularly through forward Sullivan Burns, started to put the Trojan defense on its heels. Midfielder Colin Mundt earned multiple free kicks in dangerous areas with his quick footwork and ball control. Niwot finally got its breakthrough after a hard foul on the left wing. Forward Cruz Reyes whipped in a beautiful free kick that glanced off something and found the back of the net, making it 1-3.

Niwot pressed the advantage, looking far more aggressive and dynamic. Midfielder Jay Scharfe took command of the game, relentlessly pressuring the ball and creating opportunities for his wingers and forwards. Sensing the shift in momentum, a Longmont coach was overheard shouting, "Slow down!" to his players before a throw-in. With no stoppage time added, it was in the leading team's interest to delay as much as possible before restarting play.

Time was not on the Cougars' side. But with about six minutes left, Scharfe made a move and drew a penalty kick that could have brought Niwot within one goal. But the Longmont keeper guessed correctly and saved the attempt, with the rebound sailing harmlessly over the bar to the cheers of the Longmont players and bench.

Just as it seemed all hope was lost, a Longmont defender crumpled with an apparent injury while dribbling out of his box, and Scharfe pounced on the opportunity, passing the ball to Mundt, who calmly slotted it home. The score was now 2-3, but with only a minute remaining, the clock ran out before Niwot could complete a comeback.

Despite falling just short, Niwot's strong second-half performance showed the Cougars could compete in a high-scoring game-the kind Longmont typically prefers.

Niwot's record fell to 6-3, while Longmont remained undefeated. The Cougars hope to carry their second-half momentum into next week's matchups against Centaurus High School and Silver Creek High School, both formidable opponents. They face a grueling league schedule in the coming weeks but aim to keep improving ahead of playoffs, which begin on Halloween.