Arapahoe Boys Soccer's Early Goal Leads To Arvada West Defeat

LITTLETON, CO – By Dennis Pleuss for CHSAANow.com/JeffCo It was the soccer version of the hurry-up offensive play that helped Arapahoe’s boys soccer team advance to the Class 5A state quarterfinals.

The No. 8-seeded Warriors scored in the 15th minute on a lightning quick throw-in, centering pass and tap-in goal to take a 1-0 victory over No. 9 Arvada West on a chilly Wednesday night at Littleton Public Schools Stadium.

Arapahoe’s leading scorer — senior Cameron Gail — did most of the work after settling down a quick throw-in deep in A-West’s end. Gail was able to center a pass before the Wildcats’ defense could close in. The pass eventually found the foot of sophomore Jay Wolf who banged it past A-West senior goalie Latham Kleckner.

“I just knew we had the pace on them. So, I need I had to take a run on the outside,” Gail said talking about his assist on the lone goal of the night. “I got the cross in and (Wolf) made a run in front of his guy and got his foot on it. It was amazing.”

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Images: 1) Arvada West junior Judah Johnston (17) tries to get past Arapahoe junior Garrett Lyles (18) during the first half Wednesday night at Littleton Public Schools Stadium. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics). 2) Arvada West sophomore Noah Kanagy (3) gets his foot on the ball in front of Arapahoe senior Zander Hahn during the Class 5A second-round state playoff game Wednesday night. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics). 3) Arapahoe senior Noah Carl, right, battles with Arvada West sophomore Noah Kanagy on Wednesday night. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics).