Durango High School Soccer Team Faces D’Evelyn in Playoffs

The Durango High School boys soccer team is set to compete in its first-round state playoff match on March 7, 2024. For the first time since 2013, the team will play on the road, facing off against the No. 11 seed D’Evelyn High School. The match is scheduled for 18:00 local time.

Durango enters the playoffs as the No. 22 seed in the 32-team 4A state playoff bracket. Head coach Sean Ackerman expressed that the team’s placement reflects their season performance, stating, “As far as our placement, it’s deserved considering how the season’s gone.” The team finished the regular season with a record of 8 wins, 6 losses, and 1 draw, achieving a 5-4-1 mark in the 5A/4A Southwestern League.

To achieve their goal of a tenth consecutive season with at least 10 wins, the Demons must win two playoff matches. This year, the team has seen offensive contributions from multiple players, with senior forward Benjie Masterson leading the way with seven goals and four assists. Senior Derek Caudle follows closely behind with five goals and four assists, while junior Miles Daley has scored three goals and provided four assists.

Defensive Challenges and Road Performance

Despite their offensive strengths, Durango has struggled defensively this season, allowing at least four goals in four matches. Coach Ackerman emphasized the importance of team communication and attitude, saying, “It’s mainly going to come down to heart, attitude and communication.” He believes that vocal teamwork can lead to better defensive performance in crucial moments.

Road games have posed a challenge for Durango, as they have a 3-4 record away from home compared to 5-2-1 at their home field. However, Ackerman remains optimistic, citing earlier victories at Alamosa and Grand Junction Central as examples of how the team can perform successfully on the road.

The upcoming match against D’Evelyn presents a formidable challenge. The Jaguars finished the regular season with a record of 11 wins, 3 draws, and 1 loss, securing third place in the 4A/3A Jefferson County Soccer League. Coach Ackerman noted that D’Evelyn is a physically strong team, stating, “They’re pretty big, physical and athletic.” The Jaguars boast a four-game winning streak heading into the playoffs.

D’Evelyn’s offensive threat is led by juniors Kai Burmeister and Isaac Osborne, with Burmeister scoring 12 goals and providing six assists, while Osborne has netted 10 goals. This potent offense will test Durango’s defensive strategies, especially as the Jaguars employ a 3-4-2-1 formation. Coach Ackerman indicated that the Demons are looking for gaps in D’Evelyn’s system that they can exploit.

Should Durango emerge victorious, they will advance to the second round, facing the winner of the matchup between No. 6 Greeley Central and No. 27 Skyview. Greeley Central completed their regular season undefeated at 13-0-2, while Skyview concluded with a record of 8-6-1.

As the playoffs begin, the Durango boys soccer team aims to leverage their strengths and overcome their challenges in pursuit of continued success this season.