COMMERCE CITY — For the first time since 1997, the Arapahoe Warriors are boys' soccer state champions. Arapahoe defeated Grandview 2-1 Friday night at Dick's Sporting Goods Park to take home the program's sixth ever title.
Arapahoe was the first to get on the board when the Warriors capitalized on a corner kick just minutes into the first half. Junior Garrett Lyles sent the ball to the back of the net on a beautiful backward shot to give Arapahoe the early 1-0 lead.
But this game was far from over. Grandview tied the game up with 30 minutes remaining in the first half, when Noe Ortiz Pena sent a strike past the Arapahoe keeper to notch the game up at one apiece. For much of the first half, the Wolves kept the pressure on their opponents, forcing Spencer Cobb to make big save after big save. Despite their many chances, the first half would end notched at 1-1.
In the second half, the momentum started to change. Arapahoe tried to capitalize on a handful of free kicks in their offensive zone, but this time, it was Grandview keeper Cobi Wood making the huge stops.
Arapahoe finally broke the tie with just 12 minutes to go in regulation, when Noah Carl booted a shot low on the Wolves' goal keeper to hit the back of the net.
Grandview poured on a late surge of offense and sped up the tempo with six minutes prior to the final buzzer; however, the Warriors played steadfast late.
Arapahoe took home their first state championship since 1997, while only allowing one goal the entire tournament that came at the hands of Grandview in the state title game.