2A Boys Soccer: Forge Christian Wins Sixth State Title

COLORADO SPRINGS – When the moment arrived a second time, Ethan Merrigan focused and delivered.

The senior forward knocked in a goal eight minutes into the second half and it was all Forge Christian needed to capture a 1-0 victory over Salida in the Class 2A boys soccer state championship Friday night at Weidner Field.

“This feels priceless,” Merrigan said. “We talked at half, and we knew we were going to get one. We had momentum coming into the second half and after I came out, I had one chance and a cross just came to my area and I had to get scrappy for it and put it away.”

Forge Christian, formerly known as Faith Christian, won its sixth boys soccer state title in school history and first since 2011.

Forge Christian, the No. 2 seed in the state tourney, finished its magical season with a 14-2-3 record. Salida ended its campaign with a 14-2-3 record, as well. The Spartans were playing in their first state boys soccer championship since it won its lone state crown in 2004.

“I wish we could have put more in the back of the net to ease the stress a little bit, but the boys fought hard and worked hard and it has been a long season,” Forge Christian coach Nick Arter said. “But it has been a great season and a lot of fun. The boys did their job against a tough opponent.”

The first half served up some scoring opportunities for both teams but neither could capitalize.

Salida thought it had a goal by Hawkin Sather at the 22:15 mark, but the goal was waved off because the Spartans were offsides.

Forge Christian finally got its offense going and Wyatt Arter nearly broke the scoreless bout, but his free kick hit the crossbar at 19:42 of the first half.

Late in the opening half, the Fury had another grand scoring chance when Merrigan went from his right to left foot from 10 yards out, but he pushed his attempt over the crossbar.

After regrouping at halftime, Merrigan wasn’t about to let another scoring opportunity slip through his grasp, scoring with 31:55 left in the game.

“I sure was glad when Ethan scored,” Coach Arter said. “We have had a couple of games like that where they were a little frustrating where we can’t find the net, we can’t find the net, we can’t find the net. When we first found that net, it relieved some stress for sure.”

Forge Christian, which ousted defending state champion Crested Butte (3-0) on Wednesday, was clearly determined to walk away as champions Friday, according to Arter.

“The key to this game was that the boys just didn’t quit,” Arter said. “I know it is frustrating when you can’t find the back of the net when you have a bunch of opportunities and don’t finish them. But they kept fighting through and they believed that they would get a goal. They believed in themselves.”