Grand Junction Central High School's soccer team defeated Eagle Valley High School 3-2 in overtime Thursday night in Gypsum, ending Eagle Valley's playoff run in the first round. The victory came on a "golden goal" free kick from approximately 30 yards out with two minutes left in the first 10-minute overtime half. Grand Junction Central, seeded No. 26, advanced past the No. 7-seeded Eagle Valley Devils, who had just clinched their 4A Western Slope regular season title for only the second time in school history, as Vail Daily reported. This win sends Central further into the playoffs and concludes a historic season for Eagle Valley.
The game saw Eagle Valley trailing twice but fighting back to equalize both times before forcing overtime. Freshman Andrew Saguillan tied the game at 1-1 in the first half with a bicycle kick goal, while junior Abel Ruiz scored a goal in the second half to tie the score at 2-2. Eagle Valley reportedly dominated the second half, creating the opportunity for overtime.
Eagle Valley coach Bratzo Horruitiner reflected on the loss, telling Vail Daily that the team could still be proud of their season. He described the outcome as a "good learning experience, as sad as it is," which he believes will make the team "a little tougher and better for the next time." Coach Horruitiner also noted it was a "good, solid playoff game." He also said he was "very proud of the team" but found it "sad the way that we are leaving."
The loss marked the end of the season for a group of seniors credited with changing the culture of the Eagle Valley soccer program. This group included senior goalie Tiago Horruitiner, senior Romeo Ramos, and senior Yael Carrillo, who was the team's second-leading scorer in 2026 and a captain. Other senior leaders mentioned were Angel Torres, Diego Macias, Will Nager, and Emilio Arteaga. Following the game, the Devils faithful chanted "We still love you" and joined the team in a final huddle on the field.
Despite the playoff exit, the outlook for Eagle Valley soccer remains bright. The team expects junior captain Marco Rosales, who was the leading scorer in 2027, to return next season, along with junior Javier Aguayo and junior defenseman Jonathan Torres, both noted for strong defensive play. Junior Abel Ruiz, who scored an equalizer in Thursday's game, is also expected back. Freshmen Andrew Saguillan and Daniel Najera are highlighted as exciting young players who draw crowd attention. Najera, for example, tied a game against rival Battle Mountain earlier in the season with a corner kick, a game Eagle Valley went on to win 2-1, signifying the program's progress.
The Devils' season included significant achievements, such as winning the 4A Western Slope regular season, an accomplishment the coach suggested was worthy of a banner in the gymnasium. The team also shared a memorable moment singing "Wonderwall" together on the field after securing the Western Slope title. Coach Horruitiner expressed pride in how the team represented their community and their role in building the Eagle Valley soccer program, despite the "sad" way their season concluded.
