Southwestern Hosts CTA for Second Annual Soccer Fellowship

CTA Blazer Peter Choque dribbles against Southwestern.

(Story reprinted courtesy of The Keene Star)

Under the brand new modern lights and on top of the lush green grass of the Southwestern Adventist University soccer field, the second annual Fellowship Classic match was played between Southwestern’s men’s soccer team and the Chisholm Trail Academy Blazers varsity soccer team on Monday, Aug. 29.

The game was preceded by a match between the Southwestern women’s team and the CTA JV team.

With plenty of support from the Keene community surrounding seated in the natural bowl seating area, both left it all on the field.

The game was fast paced and exciting from the first minute.

The Blazers, under first-year coach Ian Curnow, came to play and let the Knights know immediately with three early scoring chances. The Knights showed their pre-season rust as they had plenty of opportunities to finish scoring chances in the first half, but were unable to convert. After the first 45 minutes the Knights held a 3-1 lead.

In the second half, both teams settled in to find the back of the net. The Knights struck twice and the Blazers once for a final score of 5-2.

“Last year, the Blazers came in and really blew the team away,” Southwestern coach Luis Negrete said. “They had us on our heels most of the game so we were able to salvage a 4-4 tie. This year, our guys were up to the challenge.”

The Blazers received standout play from their sophomore goalie, Garrett Long, who made some impressive saves against his older opponents. The future in goal is bright for the Blazers, Curnow said.

Southwestern coach Luis Negrete talks to his team before the game.

As expected, senior standout Kevin Squarzon left his impression on the game, continuously eluding Knights defenders with his crafty ability with the ball.

Knights Enoch Oguta and Samuel Hernandez provided wave after wave of speed; reinforcing that speed was on the Knights’ side and eventually took its toll on the Blazers.

Two former Blazers made an impact on the game against their former teammates. Freshman Edwin Choque constantly created scoring opportunities for the Knights. He scored a goal himself after receiving a perfect pass on a set play from another ex-Blazer, sophomore Mauricio Negrete. Freshman and ex-Blazers goalie Cesar Cely, now the starter for the Knights, made several saves on balls that appeared to be sure goals.

“We are building a great relationship with the CTA soccer family,” Coach Negrete said. “As these young men consider their post high school education, we hope events like these will remind them of some of the amenities offered by Southwestern. It is also a great way for me to see potential incoming freshmen on the ‘big stage’ and see how they react to certain situations. It is a win-win for all. I absolutely look forward to this day and visiting with old friends and players.”

The Blazer-Knights connection is strong as six former Blazers now play, or have played for Coach Negrete at Southwestern. Negrete coached the Blazers team in 2009 to a TCAF State Title win.

The future is bright for both programs. You can follow both teams this season as the Blazers will also be playing their home games on the Southwestern soccer field. Check both school’s web pages for schedule information.

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