Boys soccer takes it indoors. Photo by Rebecca Holt

In their never ending pursuit of getting better, the Thomas Jefferson boys’ soccer team will be playing an indoor soccer league this winter to keep in rhythm for next year’s fall season.
Besides enjoying the game, the boys use this time on the field to build relationships. “This helps us develop chemistry. It’s nice to play year-round with people so when it really counts in the fall we will be in full rhythm and not rusty,” said Junior Corey Rowe.

The league consists of six teams, and each team plays seven regular season games plus a single elimination playoff format. Currently the Spartans are 1-1; however, the rest of the year looks bright. “I think we have a real chance to win this league,” said Senior David Sanchez. “We have a really good team and we have developed a habit of scoring goals when we need them, and playing tight clutch defense, also,” Sanchez continued.

The dimensions of the soccer field are that of a normal outdoor field. Also, there is still the normal 11 players that there would be in an outdoor game. “To sum things up, the only difference between playing indoors and outdoors is that there is a roof. Everything is the same. The concepts are the same. The lineups are the same. The formations are the same. Everything is the same,” stated Junior Will Lopez.

The boys are gaining a swagger as they prepare for the season which begins next fall. “It’s good for them to be touching the ball. This year we built chemistry. The seniors stepped up and lead our team, and so now over the winter they are passing the torch to the juniors who will be seniors next year, in hopes of continuing our recent success,” said Head Coach Jon Poole.

The Spartans play every Saturday night at Foothills Indoor Arena, which is located just off of Hampden and Kipling. The game time will vary from 7-11 pm. Game times and information are available at: http://www.ifoothills.org

photo by Rebecca Holt

The leaves were brown, the skies were gray, and the playoff atmosphere was at its peak. Despite receiving a surprisingly low 31 seed in the bracket, Head Coach Jon Poole kept his head high in anticipation for the postseason, “I’m not too happy about how they seeded us; we deserved better, and we are going to prove ourselves,” Poole said.

The squad was matched up against the number two ranked team in the state, the Jefferson County League Champion Wheat Ridge Farmers. This would be a very mighty challenge for the Spartans, and a way to prove their worth and show up the bracket makers. The soccer boys not only proved themselves, but they sent fear into the eyes of the seemingly cocky and overconfident Farmer team. The Spartans finished the first half tied at one goal apiece, due to a gorgeous score from foreign exchange student Junior Alex Tiakas. “Thanks to a beautiful pass from my teammate I was set up with an easy goal.  It was amazing,” said Tiakas.

The second half contained just the same amount of intensity, as the boys jogged out of the locker room and into a sea of silenced and shocked Farmer fans. The Spartans took advantage of every opportunity as the confidence of the players in blue and yellow grew smaller by the minute. The clock kept on ticking under the lights of beautiful Lakewood Memorial Stadium. A light drizzle began to fall from the dark sky, as players struggled to keep their footing. With the half coming to an end, both teams expected and hoped for overtime.  It had become a defensive struggle until Junior Corey Rowe scored a quick, transition goal with seven minutes left. The crowd erupted in cheers, and the Spartans were ecstatic; they could just smell a victory.

Sadly, the Farmers’ star forward put in a quick left-footed goal just minutes later to tie up the game at two apiece. The boys were stunned, but they wouldn’t drop their heads as they fought hard to the end.

“Overtime, with the second best team in the state?  What else could we ask for?” said senior Goalkeeper Chris Needham, who had a sensational game in the net. The Spartans came out and looked drained after playing two full halves to their utmost ability: the energy was gone. In minutes the Farmers capitalized and scored the dagger, a transition goal to seal the deal. The Boys were stunned, but nonetheless cried bittersweet tears of joy as a fantastic season came to an end. Senior Tommy Moehlman stated these words of wisdom in the final huddle: “This is a team, and a season I will never forget for the rest of my life.”

photo by Rebecca Holt

On Tuesday the Spartan boys had high hopes of continuing their winning streak to five games, but instead came out with the most disheartening loss yet, going down in defeat 3-4 to the Commanders of Kennedy. Before the game, Kennedy and TJ shared the 4A DPL City Title, which meant this matchup would decide the champion. Most importantly, the outcome of this game decided TJ’s seeding in the playoff picture, meaning if the boys lose they obtain a 30, or a 29 seed, but winning would mean a 15 or 16 seed, which would bring TJ’s first home playoff game in decades.

Sadly this loss does make the task of advancing deep into the playoffs much more difficult, but the boys are not losing hope. “We are going to have to face a good team, we know that,” said Junior Nick Becker. “I know that this team can come together, and give it everything we have,” he said.

The Spartans have maintained this positive, upbeat attitude all season long, which has been key to their success. “There is never blame on one person; we are a team, we always come together,” said Senior Chris Needham. Despite this being Needham’s first ever season playing the sport, his great leadership skills and athleticism have lead to his fantastic play in the net, having shut out five different teams this year.

Despite losing, the team always finds ways to make sure they look at the positives more than the negatives. Junior Striker Corey Rowe had two beautiful goals, and Junior Hayden Johnson added on another one late in the second half.

With the regular season now over, the Spartans end up with a record of 8-6, which is a vast improvement from previous years. Make sure you gather up your friends and support the boys in the first round of the playoffs next week.

Tue 9-8-09 Gateway High School @TJ 4:00pm (L 0-1)

Thu 9-10-09 EagleCrest High school @ TJ 4:00 pm (L 1-3)

Mon 9-14-09 @Elizabeth High School 6:00 pm (W 10-0)

Wed 9-16-09 Faith Christian High School @TJ 4:00 pm (W2-1)

Fri 9-18-09 Evergreen High School @ TJ 4:00 pm

Mon 9-21-09 George Washington High School @TJ 4:00pm (W4-0)

Wed 9-23-09 @Denver South High School 4:00pm (L3-0)

Tue 9-29-09 Denver North High School @TJ 4:00pm (W6-4)

Fri 10-2-09 @Denver East High School @TJ 4:00pm (L6-0)

Tue 10-6-09 Abraham Lincoln High school @TJ 4:00pm (L4-0)

Thu 10-8-09 Montbello High School @ All City Field 6:00pm (W6-0)

Fri 10-9-09 Ridge View Academy @TJ 4:15 pm (W4-0)

Tue 10-13-09 Denver West High School @ All City Field 6:00pm (W4-0)

Thu 10-15-09 @Kent Denver 4:00pm W(2-1)

Tue 10-20-09 @ John F. Kennedy 4:00pm L(3-4)

photo by Carlos Covarrubias

On Tuesday the boys’ soccer team took on DPL rival Denver West and defeated them with ease with a final score of 4-0. The Cowboys of West are just one of the many 4A DPL rivals the Spartans must beat to have a high seed in the playoffs, and with the outcome of Tuesday’s matchup a high seed is definitely in reach. “Today’s win is a huge step forward,” said senior midfielder David Sanchez, whose leadership on and off the field has been a morale boost for the entire team.

With the playoffs quickly approaching, the Spartans look to prep vigorously in order to bring the first playoff win to TJ in over thirty years. Students all around school are noticing the success the boys are having this year, and the buzz is growing. More and more fans are making appearances at games, and the wins just keep piling up.

The boys are on a recent hot streak of wins, with two wins last week over Ridgeview Academy and Montebello, and this week’s win against West. The Spartans look to continue their dominance and keep their momentum through until the playoffs, with two more games this season against Kent Denver and Evergreen.

Tue 9-8-09 Gateway High School @TJ 4:00pm (L 0-1)

Thu 9-10-09 EagleCrest High school @ TJ 4:00 pm (L 1-3)

Mon 9-14-09 @Elizabeth High School 6:00 pm (W 10-0)

Wed 9-16-09 Faith Christian High School @TJ 4:00 pm (W2-1)

Fri 9-18-09 Evergreen High School @ TJ 4:00 pm

Mon 9-21-09 George Washington High School @TJ 4:00pm (W4-0)

Wed 9-23-09 @Denver South High School 4:00pm (L3-0)

Tue 9-29-09 Denver North High School @TJ 4:00pm (W6-4)

Fri 10-2-09 @Denver East High School @TJ 4:00pm (L6-0)

Tue 10-6-09 Abraham Lincoln High school @TJ 4:00pm (L4-0)

Thu 10-8-09 Montbello High School @ All City Field 6:00pm (W6-0)

Fri 10-9-09 Ridge View Academy @TJ 4:15 pm (W4-0)

Tue 10-13-09 Denver West High School @ All City Field 6:00pm (W4-0)

Thu 10-15-09 @Kent Denver 4:00pm

Tue 10-20-09 @ John F. Kennedy 4:00pm

photo by Rebecca Holt

On Friday, October 2nd, The East Angels Soccer Team hosted the Spartans at East High. The Spartans put up a tough fight but were unable to come away with the victory, losing 6-0.

The boys knew this would be one of their toughest challenges of the entire season and they prepped heavily for it. The Spartans put pressure on the Angles’ defense but it was very noticeable that East had trouble getting past a strong TJ defensive backfield made up of Seniors Tommy Moehlman and Richie Hum, as well as Freshman Michael Mahoney. Frustration was seen on the faces of the Angels’ offensive players as they struggled to get quality shots on goal. “We definitely could have gotten a win today,” said Junior striker Corey Rowe.

Though that statement was very true, the chances for a comeback diminished in the second half as the Angels put four more goals in the net. “It was a hard fought match,” said Junior Alfredo Contreras. “We will get them next year,” he said with a smile.

It was important that the Spartans kept their attitude positive though, because later that week they would face their second toughest opponent of the season in the Lincoln Lancers. A powerhouse in recent years, this year the Lancers lost most of their key seniors, but are still a very talented squad. Head Coach Jon Poole made sure the team made the proper adjustments to come out with a victory. Due to the Lancers’ speedy array of players, Poole lined up his team in a 4-2-3-1 lineup made up of four defenders in the backfield, two defensive mid fielders, three central and outside mid fielders and one forward in contrast of the usual 3-5-2. This strategy worked very well, only allowing three goals all game, though the Spartan offense came up very short again, scoring zero goals the entire game. “The score definitely did not represent the game,” said Poole with his head held high.

Be sure to support the Spartans run for the playoffs as they face league opponent Montebello Warriors Thursday October 8th at 6:00pm, under the lights at All City field.

Tue 9-8-09 Gateway High School @TJ 4:00pm (L 0-1)

Thu 9-10-09 EagleCrest High school @ TJ 4:00 pm (L 1-3)

Mon 9-14-09 @Elizabeth High School 6:00 pm (W 10-0)

Wed 9-16-09 Faith Christian High School @TJ 4:00 pm (W 2-1)

Fri 9-18-09 Evergreen High School @ TJ 4:00 pm

Mon 9-21-09 George Washington High School @TJ 4:00pm (W 4-0)

Wed 9-23-09 @Denver South High School 4:00pm (L 0-3)

Tue 9-29-09 Denver North High School @TJ 4:00pm W( 6-4)

Fri 10-2-09 @Denver East High School @TJ 4:00pm L( 6-0)

Tue 10-6-09 Abraham Lincoln High school @TJ 4:00pm L (0-3)

Thu 10-8-09 Montbello High School @ All City Field 6:00pm

Fri 10-9-09 Ridge View Academy @TJ 4:15 pm

Tue 10-13-09 Denver West High School @ All City Field 6:00pm

Thu 10-15-09 @Kent Denver 4:00pm

Tue 10-20-09 @ John F. Kennedy 4:00pm

]]> http://www.tjjournal.com/2009/10/12/spartans-drop-two-straight/feed/ 0 http://www.tjjournal.com/2009/10/01/back-on-track-once-again/ http://www.tjjournal.com/2009/10/01/back-on-track-once-again/#comments Thu, 01 Oct 2009 14:06:13 +0000 Keith Warren http://www.tjjournal.com/?p=6231 The varsity soccer team bounces back from a tough loss, and gets an encouraging DPL win.

photo by Rebecca Holt

The Spartan squad got right back on the winning trail, beating the North Vikings on Tuesday in a high scoring affair, 6-4.

The Vikings, being a DPL rival, made it a must win situation for the boys if they wanted any hope for a decent seeding in the playoffs. The Spartans came out very strong, as expected, scoring four goals, two from midfielder Jayson Dasylva and two more from junior striker Alex Tiakas in the first ten minutes of the first half. “It was a perfect start,” said Senior Defender Tommy Moehlman, “We knew if we scored quickly we would have control of the rest of the game.”

TJ’s dominance didn’t last long though, and due to what might have been a bit of overconfidence from the Spartans, the Vikings came right back with four unanswered goals in the last fifteen minutes of the first half. “It was very disappointing; we just sort of gave up,” exclaimed Senior Defensive Back Richie Hum. As the half came to an end the squad jogged of the field with their heads hanging low. Poole, like usual, gave another one of his game-changing speeches and made it very clear to the players how important this game was.

The second half was close all the way to the end, with no scoring from either team until the last few minutes. The tough Vikings defense let their guard down, and the Spartans scored two transition goals to secure the victory. “The road to the playoffs is a long one, but we are definitely in great condition for a good postseason,” said Junior Striker Corey Rowe.

Catch the Spartans at their next DPL match-up against heated rivals East Angels this Friday at East. This match could decide who wins the city title, so make sure you come support.

Tue 9-8-09 Gateway High School @TJ 4:00pm (L 0-1)

Thu 9-10-09 EagleCrest High school @ TJ 4:00 pm (L 1-3)

Mon 9-14-09 @Elizabeth High School 6:00 pm (W 10-0)

Wed 9-16-09 Faith Christian High School @TJ 4:00 pm (W 2-1)

Fri 9-18-09 Evergreen High School @ TJ 4:00 pm (game cancelled)

Mon 9-21-09 George Washington High School @TJ 4:00pm(W 4-0)

Wed 9-23-09 @Denver South High School 4:00pm(L 1-3)

Tue 9-29-09 Denver North High School @TJ 4:00pm(W 6-4)

Fri 10-2-09 @Denver East High School @TJ 4:00pm

Tue 10-6-09 Abraham Lincoln High school @TJ 4:00pm

Thu 10-8-09 Montbello High School @ All City Field 6:00pm

Fri 10-9-09 Ridge View Academy @TJ 4:15 pm

Tue 10-13-09 Denver West High School @ All City Field 6:00pm

Thu 10-15-09 @Kent Denver 4:00pm

Tue 10-20-09 @ John F. Kennedy 4:00pm

photo by Rebecca Holt

The varsity boys’ soccer team is yet again in search of that trophy that has thus far eluded them: state championship. “We have one of our most promising teams in years,” exclaimed coach Jon Poole.  “I’m lucky enough to have a good group of seniors, and a great cast of juniors and underclassmen.” Many believe this year is the year; the year the team finally comes together to bring soccer back into the spotlight.

“I want it so bad, winning is all I can think about!” said Senior Starter Tommy Moehlman, with an intense tone. For seniors like Tommy, and David Sanchez it has been a very long three years. “It’s the same story every year; we look great at the beginning, but as the season plays out we lose our confidence,” said Sanchez. The squad has very high expectations, and many believe they should easily be seeded at the top in the playoffs, alongside other powerhouse DPS schools such as East and Lincoln.

On Tuesday, September 8th, the Spartan boys faced off against the Olympians of Gateway, who had a rebuilding season last year. The varsity crew came into this one fully rested after a long, three-day Labor day weekend, but came up short in a heart-breaker, 1-0, with a great game in net by Senior goalkeeper Chris Needham who saved 92% of shots. “We just looked tired; we weren’t mentally in it,” said Needham.

The frustration was also easily seen in the eyes of Coach Poole as his team underachieved. “It’s the first game of the season,” coach exclaimed in the post-game huddle. “ We will work out the kinks. We can only look at the positives, and build off the negatives,” said Poole.

Coach Poole is well known around school as a very inspirational coach with a unique and successful way of bringing the very best out of his players out on the field, as well as his students in the classroom. “He really makes me want to play; he pumps me up!” said Freshman Michael Mahoney. “Poole is everything you want in a coach, a dedicated mentor, and most of all a friend.”

Make sure you catch the varsity team bounce back against Faith Christian High School on Wednesday September 16 at 4:00pm.

Tue 9-8-09 Gateway High School @TJ 4:00pm (L 0-1)

Thu 9-10-09 EagleCrest High school @ TJ 4:00 pm (L 1-3)

Mon 9-14-09 @Elizabeth High School 6:00 pm (W 10-0)

Wed 9-16-09 Faith Christian High School @TJ 4:00 pm (W 2-1)

Fri 9-18-09 Evergreen High School @ TJ 4:00 pm

Mon 9-21-09 George Washington High School @TJ 4:00pm (W 4-0)

Wed 9-23-09 @Denver South High School 4:00pm

Tue 9-29-09 Denver North High School @TJ 4:00pm

Fri 10-2-09 @Denver East High School @TJ 4:00pm

Tue 10-6-09 Abraham Lincoln High school @TJ 4:00pm

Thu 10-8-09 Montbello High School @ All City Field 6:00pm

Fri 10-9-09 Ridge View Academy @TJ 4:15 pm

Tue 10-13-09 Denver West High School @ All City Field 6:00pm

Thu 10-15-09 @Kent Denver 4:00pm

Tue 10-20-09 @ John F. Kennedy 4:00pm

    The TJ Spartans won their last game of the season, beating the Kennedy Commanders, but they were beaten out for the last playoff spot by fellow Denver Prep team, the North Vikings.

    The Spartans were flying high after their big win against West and knew that if they would win this game, they would have a much better chance of making it into the playoffs.  It was make or break time for the Spartans.

    TJ started out the game with a drive deep into the Commander zone; however, there was only one shot on goal, which was easily blocked by the Kennedy goalkeeper.  The Commanders then responded and brought the ball deep into the Spartan zone and, after a mad scramble, they got the ball into the back of the net, taking a 1-0 lead. 

    The Spartan defense knew that it would have to step up its game and keep the score at 1-0 if they wanted to have any chance at victory.  Also, the offense would have to get some more shots on goal if they wanted to overpower the Commander defense.  The first half ended with the Spartans still only getting a limited number of shots on the Commanders, and the score remained 1-0 going into halftime.

    The second half the Spartans came out firing and got a goal past the Commander keeper courtesy of Senior Defender Tamer Muhammad, who was playing forward for the final game. "Tamer was always right in the middle of the action, so it was an instinct of mine to put him in at forward," said Head Coach Jon Poole.

     They had evened the score, and the Spartans were back in the game.  To prove that lightening could strike twice, Muhammed got his second goal of the game towards the halfway mark of the second half.  The Spartan defense, which included Keenan Moore, Andrew Briss, Edgar Llamas, and Jake Hazan (all seniors), held the Commanders to only two shots for the remainder of the game. Spartan Goalkeeper, Raul Sanchez, saved both Commander strikes, and the game ended with a 2-1 score in favor of the Spartans.  “It was really satisfying to get a victory in our last games as Spartans.  Tamer played great and all of us on defense kept the game close for the offense.  I will always remember the Kennedy and West games when I think of my career playing for TJ,” stated Hazan. 

    However, the joy of their success was short lived.

    The Spartans were aware they would have a hard time making it into the playoffs, and they would need a lot of help from the other teams to make their dreams a reality. 

     However, halfway through the Spartans last game, Coach Poole received news that North had posted their score late and they had won, eliminating the Spartans from the playoffs.  Even though the Spartans had fought valiantly towards the end of the season, it was not enough and brought an end to their playoff hopes, another season ending just short of qualifying for the big show.

    The Spartans did not have the season that they were looking for this year, and there are many things that can be attributed to the lack of wins.  The offense did not get as many shots as they had wished, but when they did get shots on goal, a lot of them ended up in the back of the net.  “Towards the end of the season, we started to come together as a team, and we hope to continue this into the beginning of the season next year, “ Poole said.

    The major question that is going to plague the team next year is their defense, as the Spartans will be losing all four of their starting defenders.  The junior varsity defenders will have to step up to the plate for the team to have a shot at a winning record next year.  Also, they are going to lose both starting keepers, Raul Sanchez and Kyle Martinez.  With no full time goalie on the junior varsity team, there will have to be a new goalie inserted into the lineup.  It will be a rebuilding  year, as Poole will have to almost completely reconstruct the defensive portion of the team.

    The soccer team was on a losing streak, dropping two games to tough league opponents and almost virtually diminishing their chances of making it into the playoffs.  They would have to win their last two games to win a spot into the playoffs.  The Spartans certainly started on a good note with an overpowering win.

    The Spartans came into the game against the West Cowboys with heavy hearts after their tough loss to Ridgeview Academy, and they knew that it was make or break time for them and that they had to win to keep their playoff hopes alive.  The game started out just as the Spartans had hoped it wouldn’t, as the Cowboys got a couple of shots on the Spartans, but Senior Keeper Raul Sanchez took charge and stopped all the potential shots in their tracks.  The defense showed that they had the potential to hold off the offense of the Cowboys, and it was the Spartans’ turn to step it up.  They did this in rousing fashion as seniors Jake Hazan, Tamer Muhammad, and Jorge Jacal all got goals in the first half and gave the Spartans the 3-0 going into the second half.

    The second half started at a stand still, as neither of the teams really mounted many drives into the opposing half of the field.  This was broken when Junior David Sanchez got a long shot past the Cowboy keeper.  The momentum was clearly in the Spartans’ favor and they intended to keep it that way.  The Spartans added one more goal to their score, and held off a late surge by the Cowboys, and finished the game with a 5-1 victory.  The Spartans are on their way to making it into the playoffs and all they have to do is defeat Kennedy when they come to TJ this Tuesday at 4:15 and they will make it into the playoffs.
 

    The Spartan boys traveled to Legacy Stadium to play the undefeated Eaglecrest Raptors and hoped to continue their success from their last game against the Cardinals.  However, the first half devestated the Spartan chances at making it two wins in a row.

    The weather proved to be quite hostile as the Spartans rolled up to the stadium, as right before they stepped off the bus, the rain started to pour.  It continued to pour at the start of the game and right as the whistle blew, it seemed like Mother Nature heard and stopped the rain. 
    The weather had already done its damage as the rain made the ball skip, and it was often getting past the Spartan defense.  This, combined with the lackluster defense altogether, allowed the Raptors to tally four goals on the board before the end of the half. 

    The start of the second half brought a new sense of determination in the Spartans, as they flipped the script on the Raptors and had a few offensive chances.  The offense was not able to capitalize on any of these chances though, as the Raptors made a few diving saves to stop sure goals.  To go along with the surge by the Spartan offense, the defense was able to hold their ground and allowed the Raptors only four shots in the entire half. The two sides were not able to get much of any real offensive production, as the ball was controlled in the middle of the field for the rest of the half.  The second half ended in a stalemate, with a final score of 4-0.

    The Spartans have one of their bigger league games against George Washington this coming Tuesday.  These two teams have been rivals over the past couple of years and the Patriots have come out with a win in the past two meetings.  This year the Patriots are 5-1 in contrast to the 1-5 record of the Spartans.  The Spartans will need to break out of their scoreless streak if they wish to have any chance in this game.  The defense must also stop the powerful offense of the Patriots, who have racked up 19 goals this season.

    The Spartans play the Patriots this upcoming Tuesday at All City Stadium at 7 pm.