Niwot soccer shuts out Wheat Ridge in state tournament

In a commanding performance that showcased both offensive firepower and defensive prowess, the Niwot High School boys soccer team secured their spot in the second round of the Class 4A Boys Soccer State Tournament with a 2-0 victory over Wheat Ridge High School.

The Cougars wasted no time establishing their dominance, striking early in the game when midfielder Leo Broteland won a crucial tackle in the middle of the field. With precise vision, Broteland threaded a pass through the Wheat Ridge defense, finding striker Xayden Del Rio in space. Del Rio made no mistake with the finish, putting Niwot up 1-0 within the first ten minutes of play.

The match's creative engine, Colin Mundt, proved to be a constant threat throughout the game, repeatedly carving open the Wheat Ridge defense with his movement and vision. Mundt's persistence paid off early in the second half when he connected with a cross from Naveen Bopearachchigedon, doubling Niwot's advantage and effectively sealing the victory.

Brothers Ben and Will Gabrielson played pivotal roles in maintaining control of the game. Ben Gabrielson's masterful management of the midfield in the second half prevented any hope of a Wheat Ridge comeback, while Will Gabrielson marshaled the defensive line with authority. Their combined efforts, along with goalkeeper Malachi Gilmore's clean sheet performance, ensured Wheat Ridge would find no way back into the match.

The victory sets up an intriguing second-round matchup against Niwot's rival, Silver Creek High School, which previously edged out Niwot 1-0 in league play.

"The team will definitely be motivated to play our rivals in the second round," said Coach Stephen Dimit, as the Cougars prepare for game two against Silver Creek.

With the earlier loss on their minds and the team embracing the underdog role, the Cougars look to be the hunter rather than the hunted, which may give them the edge they need to come out victorious in game two. Niwot entered the tournament as the 12th seed in Class 4A, while Silver Creek was seeded fifth.

With momentum from their convincing first-round victory and the motivation of avenging their previous defeat, Niwot looks poised to make a deep run in the tournament. The Cougars' combination of clinical finishing, midfield control, and defensive solidarity makes them a formidable opponent for any team in the bracket.

Niwot will play at Silver Creek on Wednesday Nov. 6 at 5:00 p.m., a match that promises to be an intense battle between familiar foes, with Niwot's players eager to prove that their regular-season loss was merely a temporary setback on their path to potential playoff glory.