The Salida (CO) varsity soccer team will play a neutral playoff match against Denver Christian (Denver, CO) today at 7:30 PM at the University of Northern Colorado. This game is part of the 2024 CHSAA Boys Soccer State Championships – Class 2A tournament.
Denver Christian vs Salida Soccer Match Info:
What: Colorado High School Soccer
Who: Denver Christian vs Salida
When: Wednesday, November 13, 2024
Time: 7:30 p.m.
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Match preview: Denver Christian vs Salida
The stage is set for a thrilling high school soccer matchup between two of Colorado’s top teams, Denver Christian and Salida. With both teams showcasing strong records this season, this game promises to deliver high-intensity action and excitement.
Team Records & Standings
Denver Christian has posted an impressive overall record of 12-1-4 in the 2024-2025 season, with a solid league performance of 4-1-4. The team has proven dominant on home turf, with a 10-1 home record, while struggling slightly on the road with a 2-0-4 away record. Their .824 overall win percentage reflects their competitive nature and solid team performance, with a strong offensive showing, having scored 57 goals and allowing just 11 goals against.
In comparison, Salida has a slightly better overall record of 13-1-3, with a perfect 5-0 league performance. Their home record stands at 8-1-1, and on the road, they’ve managed a solid 5-0-2 performance. With a .853 win percentage and a stingy defense allowing just 8 goals, Salida has been a tough opponent for any team this season. Their 1.000 league win percentage highlights their dominance in conference play.
Team Scoring Averages
Both teams show balanced offensive capabilities, with Denver Christian averaging 3.4 goals per game, while Salida has a slightly better average of 3.6 goals per game. Denver Christian is led by Brady Kindig, who leads the team in both goals (27) and assists (16), while also racking up 89 shots this season. Salida counters with Isaac Sarmiento, who has scored 21 goals, and Mateo Tressler, who has tallied 11 assists.
Defensive Strengths
Defense will be crucial in this matchup. Denver Christian’s goalkeeper, Guthrie Erskine, has an impressive 0.656 goals-against average (GAA), while Salida’s Owen Blazer leads with an even more formidable 0.471 GAA, one of the best in the league. This contrast in goalkeeping will play a pivotal role in the outcome of this matchup, as both teams rely on strong defensive performances to complement their offensive firepower.
Common Opponents
Looking at how both teams have fared against common opponents can offer insight into their relative strengths. Both teams secured victories over Thomas MacLaren School, with Denver Christian winning 4-0 on August 24, 2024, while Salida drew 0-0 on October 5, 2024. Another common opponent, Fountain Valley, saw Denver Christian win 3-0 on November 11, 2024, whereas Salida comfortably beat Fountain Valley 7-1 on September 5, 2024. These results indicate that both teams have had their own unique challenges but have consistently performed at a high level.
Key Players to Watch
- Brady Kindig (Denver Christian): The team’s offensive leader, with 27 goals, 16 assists, and 89 shots this season. His attacking play will be crucial for Denver Christian.
- Isaac Sarmiento (Salida): With 21 goals and a key presence in the attack, Sarmiento is a constant threat on the field.
- Guthrie Erskine (Denver Christian): A reliable goalkeeper, Erskine’s ability to keep the ball out of the net will be pivotal for the team.
- Owen Blazer (Salida): A rock-solid presence in goal, Blazer has one of the lowest GAA in the league and will be a key factor in shutting down Denver Christian’s offense.
The Road Ahead
Both teams have displayed remarkable consistency this season, and this match will be a critical test of their championship aspirations. With Denver Christian and Salida both boasting strong offensive capabilities and stifling defenses, this matchup could go either way. The contest will likely come down to which team can execute their game plan better—whether it’s Denver Christian’s dynamic attack led by Brady Kindig or Salida’s suffocating defense and efficient offense spearheaded by Isaac Sarmiento and Owen Blazer.
This highly anticipated game between Denver Christian and Salida is shaping up to be a memorable one, and fans can expect a fierce battle on the field.