Facing an early-season schedule that pitted Colorado Academy Field Hockey and Boys Soccer programs against stiff competition, the Mustangs have answered the early bell, hopefully positioning each program for success as they head down the stretch. Both Veronica Scott, Field Hockey Head Coach, and Gabe Bernstein, Boys Soccer Head Coach, wanted the most challenging schedule possible for the start of the season. “It’s important to test ourselves versus quality opponents, regardless of the outcome, because it tells us where we are and what we need to work on,” Bernstein comments. “That exposure is critical.”
Coach Scott took her Varsity and JV teams to St. Louis, Mo., for a pre-season set of scrimmages over Labor Day weekend that had her players facing top teams from around the country. Both the Varsity and JV teams went undefeated on the weekend against the likes of Kentucky Country Day, Casady (Texas), and Lakes Community (Ill.). Scott’s team also faced strong in-state opponents in the first half of the season. The Mustangs dropped a tough 2-1 matchup versus the Cherry Creek Bruins, after holding a 1-0 lead going into halftime, in just their third game of the season. The Varsity Field Hockey team then blew out the Kent Denver Sun Devils 6-0 in a mid-September game, and followed that up with a 2-1 road victory over the Regis Jesuit Raiders, and a 1-0 victory on the road over Lewis-Palmer.
Scott’s team is led by Seniors Sophie Brants and Anna Colpack, Juniors Jessica Lapidus and Zoe Martin, and Sophomores Addie Chandler and Lillian Hall. The depth of Scott’s team will be trouble for opponents as playoffs begin in mid-October. Scott says, “The girls are working hard in practice, and it’s paying off in the games.” Many players have been called on to contribute: Seniors Olivia Aguirre, Riley Leversedge, and Diana Reidy; Juniors Vivian Leuthold and Shea Stone; and Sophomores Anna Baumbusch and Meg Stanitski. Playoff seeding comes out mid-October, and the State Championship semifinals and finals take place November 1-2 at Stutler Bowl.
The Boys Soccer program continues its strong run in the league and state, and currently sits in the top four in the state rankings, a position they have consistently held for the past 10 years. Bernstein’s Varsity team is always well prepared and strongly conditioned for every opponent, regardless of classification. The level of technical training that Bernstein’s staff can support is incomparable, with many of his coaches being sought to coach at the club level, as well.
The Mustangs opened the season against 2A number-one ranked Vail Mountain on the road and returned to campus with a hard-fought 2-0 victory. They also took on 3A number one Liberty Common and tied them 1-1 at home on the friendly confines of Firman Field. The Mustangs had similar results against 3A number eight DSST-CV (1-1) on Homecoming and an always tough Faith Christian squad (0-0). The team’s only loss of the season has been to 4A powerhouse, The Classical Academy, in the Mustangs’ fifth game of the season.
Senior Captain Ben Rockmore and fellow Seniors Lee Gastis, Ezra Goldstein, Matt Kintzele, and Teddy McPeek lead the way, with support from Juniors Jack West and Simeon Woldeyohannes. Bernstein knows great things lie ahead, stating, “If the group continues to consistently show up, work hard, and stay focused on the process, the outcome will be exciting. We are a talented group with depth at all levels. It’s great to have so many strong players in the CA uniform.”
Follow the progress of all the fall teams on social media or on the CA website. Schedules can also be found online. I look forward to seeing you at an upcoming game. Go Mustangs!