The Best of Class 2A: Crested Butte vs. Forge Christian

In a crackling CHSAA Class 2A boys soccer state title match, Crested Butte took down the defending champions, Forge Christian, in penalty kicks. These players starred in a 0-0 match through double OT that had plenty of twists and turns.    Plays like a wrecking ball at times. Which makes him a player you love to have on your team, but hate to play agaisnt. Because he used a flip-toss throw in, opponents are thrown off by the velocity, trajectory and distance the throw covers. It's a weapon in the box. Strong when challenged, plays through people for challenges and has above average speed when in pursuit. His speed comes on suddenly. Not just a bruiser, there's more to his game. He plays good 1-2 passes in the atttacking ⅓ and his speed helps to stretch out a defensive back line when he sprints to the corner. A goal hunter always looking to possess a long ball. Tough, savvy, fast and determined.     Shifty in the midfield with clean step-over moves and a sudden burst of acceleration that lets him slip through tight spaces. Smart chip service over the center back showed real vision and confidence on the ball. High-motor, fun player who's aggressive with his tackles and consistently sets up his forwards with slick, well-timed passes. Soft feet, controls firm balls quickly and cleanly. Shows good awareness of pressure and rarely panics in traffic. Displays a competitive edge that lifts teammates around him. Offers reliable link-up play and moves purposefully after releasing the ball. Has the tools to impact matches consistently as he continues to mature physically and tactically.       A stout center back, he spearheads the defense and keeps players organized with a strong, vocal presence. He's the last line of defense and is sure with both his clearances and his passes, rarely putting a ball in a dangerous area. In tight, low-margin matches, he plays like a center back built for protecting a single goal, reading danger early and stepping with confidence when attackers try to slip in behind. He wins his 1-on-1s, holds his ground, and brings a calming influence to the back line. When the game gets chaotic, he stays composed and simplifies decisions for those around him. He's the guy you want back there to make sure the lead holds, the shape stays intact and the team can trust its foundation.     A strong, imposing presence as big defender who understands how to use his frame without over-committing. Applies pressure at the right moments. That discipline allows him to shut down attacks before they develop. Has an engine that lets him track runners, recover into position and slide across to support wherever he's needed. A sleeper when he joined the atack. Ripped off several well-pace shots on frame. Has a clean, driven strike that adds an extra dimenson to the attack when he joins.     An active goalkeeper who consistently demonstrates excellent lateral movement, covering his angles with agility and receptive hands. Because he gave up few rebounds he was reliable in turning in clean sheet in the state title match. Showed firm control on every catch and sprawled out for several high-danger saves. He used a strong variety of punts. Some are direct and precise, others are booming and deep, while a few are lofted strategically to allow teammates to gather the ball under control. Throughout the match, he faced numerous opportunities to make key saves and rose to the occasion each time, showing both composure and consistency. His presence in goal is commanding, giving his defense confidence, and his ability to read the game allows him to anticipate threats and act decisively. Overall, he proved to be a dependable last line of defense.

In a crackling CHSAA Class 2A boys soccer state title match, Crested Butte took down the defending champions, Forge Christian, in penalty kicks. These players starred in a 0-0 match through double OT that had plenty of twists and turns.