Fresh off a 3-0 win over Ellicott on Sept. 29, the Manitou Springs boys soccer team is turning its attention to its Tri-Peaks opponents. The Mustangs open league play at Salida on Thursday, Oct. 6, before hosting Lamar on Tuesday, Oct. 11.
And this is where the team will need to thrive.
The Mustangs (6-2-1 overall) have put together a solid enough campaign and are worthy of playoff consideration. As of Wednesday, Oct. 5, they sat at No. 19 in the CHSAA selection and seeding index, which gives a live status on each team’s playoff standing during the regular season.
But coach Ben Mack doesn’t want this team to rest on its laurels. He knows that the boys need to continue working and ensure that their effort matches their playoff desire.
“Moving forward, we’ve been practicing really well,” Mack said. “(In league) every team is capable of beating every other team. We talk a lot about that and that if we can raise our game just a little bit, we can win some big games.”
The parity that Mack believes exists in the Tri-Peaks could certainly play to the Mustangs’ advantage. If they can put together solid performances against teams like Salida and Lamar, and then hope those squads might steal a game from a team like Atlas Prep, Manitou could find itself in striking distance of a league championship.
The talent on the field certainly has the capability. There is diversity in scoring — Evan Yount, Bowman Hall and Weston Cassidy all netted goals in the Ellicott win. Cassidy and Gavin Smith were responsible for the two Manitou assists.
The season’s strong start has been crucial not just for the Mustangs’ confidence, but for finding out the particular style of play that this Manitou team will utilize to be successful.
“We shifted back to a slightly different formation,” Mack said. “We’re back to seeking shutouts. We’re starting from the back and getting sound with the back line and goalkeeper, and then take our chances as we move forward.”
The Mustangs have six regular season games remaining, and three will be played at home.