Andreas Runde works to center the ball in the first half. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com
A Hilltopper catches the Horseman goalie out of position and scores a goal in the first period. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com
By RJ Montaño
Los Alamos Daily Post
rjmontano@ladailypost.com
SANTA FE – The Los Alamos Hilltoppers walked away from a very physical district match with a 3-1 win, but they took few lumps on a beautiful Saturday afternoon at Capital High School. The game featured the fifth and sixth ranked 5-A teams according to the Max Preps website.
Arthur Steinkamp broke away from the pack to strike first for the ‘Toppers in the 26th minute to give Los Alamos a 1-0 lead.
The ‘Toppers controlled possession for most of the game, but the Jaguars took a cleared ball to attempt a few shots. Los Alamos Freshman goalkeeper Jaxson Martines made three diving saves within 20 seconds to earn a huge cheer from the Los Alamos contingent.
The Jaguars would sneak one by Martines on a rebound off a save right before the halftime whistle to tie the match at one apiece.
Los Alamos opened the second half much like the first by dominating the time of possession but failing to get quality shots. The Jaguars defense crowded the net to bump the ‘Toppers on every possession.
Dakota Duran walked a corner kick into the net off a perfect strike by Christopher Blue to put Los Alamos up 2-1 with under 20 minutes to go.
Samuel Cirigliano would add an insurance goal off another corner kick with two minutes left in the game to secure the 3-1 district win.
“I wanted more energy. The thing that made a difference at Academy was they outworked us,” Head Coach Ron Blue said after the match. “When we play with that kind of energy, and play for each other, that makes a difference. We are skilled enough that we can outplay some teams, but we need to match their effort.”
“A road win against a good Capital team, I’m just glad to get the win,” Blue said. “For us to play with this kind of energy and see the success, that’s what I’m most proud of.”
When pried to get a comment about Christopher Blue’s play, Coach Blue said, “I’m so proud of him.”
Los Alamos returns to action Tuesday in Albuquerque against Del Norte before returning home for a revenge match against Albuquerque Academy Friday afternoon at Sullivan Field.
The Hilltopper goalie blocks a goal attempt by a Horseman. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com
Jesse Prime battles a Horsman defender near the Capital goal. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com
Dakota Duran kicks the corner kick in for the second goal. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com
Samuel Cirigliano and Tristan Semelsberger leave the field after their victory over the Capital Horseman. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com