Grand Junction High School’s boys varsity soccer team won their first-round playoff game and will advance to the second round of the Class 5A state playoffs.
The undefeated No. 10 Tigers defeated No. 23 Liberty High School of Colorado Springs in a 4-0 victory on Wednesday, Oct. 29, at Community Hospital Unity Field. GJHS senior Luis Mendez, the top scorer on the team, scored three of the four goals. GJHS junior Noah Newbury got the shutout as the goalkeeper.
“The team can go all the way if they play like they have been playing all season,” said GJHS senior midfielder Andres Hernandez.
Hernandez is motivated by competitiveness, love of the game and the support his parents give him. He is one of eight seniors on the varsity team.
The next game will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 7, at No. 7 Pine Creek High School in Colorado Springs. Pine Creek has an 11-2-3 record and beat Liberty 1-0 during the season on the way to winning the Colorado Springs Metro League. Pine Creek defeated No. 26 Arvada West 4-1 in the first round of the playoffs.
GJHS won the Southwestern League championship and boasts an unbeaten record of 12 wins and 2 ties. The Tigers are coached by Jonathan Pando.
Editor’s Note: Madeline Marshall is a GJHS freshman enrolled in a Reporting class.
