COMMERCE CITY — The Air Academy Kadets are 4A boys' soccer state champions for the second consecutive season, after defeating Denver North 2-0 Saturday afternoon at Dick's Sporting Goods Park.
The Kadets jumped out to a quick start behind senior Luke Louthan. Louthan found the back of the net just five minutes into the game on a rocket of a shot to the far end. Air Academy carried much of the first half action, forcing North keeper Bryan Torres to make a handful of incredible saves. After the first 40 minutes, the score would remain 1-0.
Air Academy began the second half the same way it started the first. This time, Louthan's cousin Thad Dewing was the goal scorer -- using his head to bury away a perfectly placed corner kick less than two minutes into play.
Denver North -- trying to earn its first ever boys' soccer state championship -- did not go down without a fight. The Vikings had some near chances in the second half to make it a one-goal game, but without a doubt, the bright spot for North was Torres in net, who kept his team always within striking distance.
Air Academy defeated Centaurus 1-0 for the 2017 state soccer title.
Watch the video for extended video highlights, and tune in to the Sunday morning Prep Rally for more action from the 2018 boys' soccer state games.