Durango High School Boys Soccer Eyes Playoff Upset Against D’Evelyn

The Durango High School boys soccer team is set to face D’Evelyn High School in the first round of the state playoffs on March 7, 2024. This matchup marks Durango’s first playoff appearance since 2013 and places them as the No. 22 seed in the 32-team 4A state playoff bracket. The game will kick off at 18:00 local time in Denver, where Durango will aim to upset the No. 11 seeded Jaguars.

Head coach Sean Ackerman expressed confidence in his team’s placement, acknowledging the challenges faced throughout the season. “As far as our placement, it’s deserved considering how the season’s gone. Once you get in the playoffs, anything can happen,” he stated. Durango concluded the regular season with a record of 8-6-1 overall and 5-4-1 in the 5A/4A Southwestern League.

To maintain a tradition of success, Durango needs to win two playoff games to secure their tenth consecutive season with at least ten wins. The team has shown offensive prowess this year, with six players scoring multiple goals and a total of eleven contributing to the scoreboard. Senior forward Benjie Masterson leads the team with seven goals and four assists, while senior Derek Caudle follows closely with five goals and four assists. Junior Miles Daley has also made significant contributions with three goals and four assists.

Despite their offensive capabilities, Durango has struggled defensively, conceding at least four goals in four matches this season. Ackerman emphasized the importance of communication and teamwork in defense. “When we’re out there communicating things out, things get worked out that aren’t there in other games,” he explained. “If we are very vocal, we will be very successful.”

Traveling to face D’Evelyn poses additional challenges for the team, as they have a road record of 3-4 compared to a stronger home record of 5-2-1. Ackerman noted the team’s inconsistent performance on the road but pointed to earlier successes in Alamosa and Grand Junction Central as models for what they can achieve in the playoffs.

D’Evelyn, located in Denver, finished their regular season with an impressive record of 11-3-1, securing third place in the 4A/3A Jefferson County Soccer League with an 8-1-1 record. The Jaguars are currently riding a four-game winning streak and are led by juniors Kai Burmeister and Isaac Osborne. Burmeister, wearing No. 3, has tallied 12 goals and six assists this season, while Osborne, No. 8, has contributed 10 goals without any assists. Notably, no other Jaguar has scored more than four goals.

“They’re pretty big, physical, and athletic,” Ackerman remarked about D’Evelyn. He acknowledged the strengths of their team, particularly in winning aerial duels off corners and crosses. Despite their formidable reputation, Ackerman believes Durango has identified weaknesses in D’Evelyn’s strategy, particularly within their 3-4-2-1 formation.

Should Durango secure an upset victory against D’Evelyn, they will advance to the second round, where they will face the winner of the match between No. 6 Greeley Central and No. 27 Skyview. Greeley Central completed the regular season undefeated at 13-0-2, while Skyview finished at 8-6-1.

With determination and strategy, the Durango High School boys soccer team prepares for this critical playoff matchup, hoping to make a statement and continue their pursuit of a successful season.