On Tuesday, September 12th, the Manitou Springs High School (MSHS) Boys’ Soccer teams played against the Woodland Park Panthers, a close rival. As the season has progressed, MSHS has continued to prove their ability with considerable wins. The varsity game began at 6:20 p.m. due to JV playing overtime. During the first half, one of the team captains, Jon Gerdes (12), scored a goal, leading the game 1-0. As the game continued, Manitou fought to keep their head in the second half.

Both teams were aggressive and rigorous in play. As the varsity game commenced, a handful of yellow cards and detrimental red cards were given to several Panther players, due to decided penalties. As the second half began under the lights, Riley Jungbauer (10) succeeded in scoring another goal for MSHS. The other two goals were shot by Jezrael Sommers (10) and were the determining goals of the game. Asher Schoepflin (10) was selected as the player of the game. Coach Ben Mack, regarding Schoepflin’s performance, said, “Asher is tonight’s player of the game for providing the calm and poise on the ball needed from our back-line to possess and build the attack. Asher has been simply awesome all season, being that calming influence in the back that allows us to play soccer the way the game should be played.” Goalie Zachary Talbot (10) made four saves throughout the duration of the game. The final score was 5-0 in favor of Manitou.

JV held steady in the game against the Panthers as they fought neck and neck. The final score, after a couple of competitive overtimes, remained at a sturdy 4-4 tie. Despite a high of 82 degrees, the players still endured.