East Triumph And Tie

Soccer Team Takes Down South; New Challenger Emerges

Story and photo by Reid Neuriter
For the GPHN

The East boys soccer team is poised for a deep playoff run again this year.  

But there is a new competitor challenging the Angels’ traditional position at the top of the Denver Public Schools soccer hierarchy. The Northfield Nighthawks have come on strong in recent years, winning the 4A state championship in 2022 and making the finals last year. This year, Northfield made the leap to the 5A division and sports an impressive 12-0-2 undefeated record. It is ranked No. 2 statewide as of Oct. 23.  

For its part, East won the State 5A championship in 2022 and last year finished runner-up to Broomfield. As of mid-October the Angels’ record stands at 10-1-3, with a No. 5 state ranking. 

The Angels won a hard-fought home victory over South on Oct. 8, with a score of 2-1. Against a quick and skilled South squad, East jumped out to an early first half two-goal lead, with speedy senior midfielder and captain Clayton Thomas both scoring and posing East’s most dangerous continuing attacking threat.  

On Oct. 22, the Angels took on Northfield. The Nighthawks dominated possession for much of the match, jumping early to a 1-0 lead. But the East defense stabilized and the Angels found themselves with a 2-1 lead with just 10 minutes left to play. At five minutes left, the Nighhawks’ furious attack paid off and they were awarded a penalty kick — which ultimately left the game a 2-2 draw.