Arvada West boys soccer hangs on to win against Northglenn in season opener

ARVADA — Things got a little too close for comfort for Arvada West’s boys soccer team Monday night at the North Area Athletic Complex.

The Wildcats had a 2-0 lead over Northglenn late in the second half, but a goal in the 75th minute from Northglenn junior Dilan Garcia made for an intense final five minutes.

“We made it interesting there at the end. We certainly didn’t want to make it that way,” A-West coach Ben Gantenbein said after the 2-1 victory. “But, I was pleased with the fight from the boys. They fought the whole game and we’re excited about getting the first win down.”

Both teams had to deal with nearly a 90-minute lightning delay. With 17 minutes remaining in the first half, the non-league game when into a delay due to lightning in the area. A-West (1-0 record) came out after the stoppage of play with the first goal in the 26th minute.

A-West senior Solomon Jaynes fired a low shot into the back of the net to give the Wildcats a 1-0 lead.

“I thought we came out on the front foot immediately,” Gantenbein said of the Wildcats scoring three minutes into action after the long delay. “Anytime you get a big delay like that the first five minutes can make the game. The boys came out ready and jumped on it. I’m really proud of that.”

Senior AJ Lopez extended the lead to 2-0 in the 69th minute scoring on a penalty kick. The insurance goal eventually was the difference after the Norse pulled within a goal late.

“I thought we were going to keep the clean sheet (shutout), but I’m glad I converted,” Lopez said of his penalty kick goal being the eventual game-winner.

For a brief moment it appeared Northglenn (1-1) had tied the game up in the 78th minutes when Garcia’s bicycle kick found the back of the net. However, Garcia was ruled offside on the play.

“Early in the season we’ve just got to get the first win right away,” Lopez said. “It came down to the end, but we got it done. It’s a good start.”

A-West graduated 11 seniors from last year’s team that finished with a 6-7-3 record and first playoff appearance since 2020.

“For the program, making the playoff last year for the first time in about five years was a positive,” Lopez said. “We are just going to try to build on that. Make it to the second round, third round … just go as far as we can.”

Senior goalie Jacob Carpenter will be key to the Wildcats’ success this season. The now 2-year starter played in eight games last year with a 2.25 goals against average.

“He (Carpenter) is huge,” Gantenbein said of having Carpenter back in goal with a lot of varsity experience in net. “He is such a good leader. He made a huge save in the first half coming out on a breakaway. Really could have changed the tone of the game.”

A-West is back in action at 7 p.m. Thursday night the NAAC against Grandview (1-0).