The Steamboat Pilot & Today

Steamboat Springs — Playing one of the premier club soccer teams in the state, Steamboat Pacific fell to Pepe’s of Vail, 4-2, on Saturday at the Christian Heritage School field.

Despite great opportunities — including several in the final 15 minutes of the game — Steamboat couldn’t capitalize.

“I think you saw that happen”

Saturday, Steamboat captain Danny Tebbenkamp said. “We don’t really have a true finisher. We have a lot of guys that can each score on a certain day. It will just take more time on the practice field.”

More time would certainly be a good thing for Steamboat. The team originally was scheduled to play in a league in Craig, but when that folded Steamboat had to find other games.

Tebbenkamp said despite having regular practices, the team really hasn’t had a competitive game since May.

“We just need to find a rhythm,” Tebbenkamp said.

Steamboat had it going early when Kyle Nelson put Steamboat ahead 1-0 in the 15th minute.

Vail rallied to take a 2-1 lead at halftime, the last goal coming off a deflection.

Steamboat’s Silas Cammer scored the equalizer just minutes into the second half. Cammer made a run up the left side, beating two defenders and popping the ball over the Vail goalkeeper’s head.

Vail scored the game-winner minutes later when a corner kick deflected into the net. Steamboat had two more chances, the first coming on a corner kick when a Vail defender headed the ball away before it could find the net.

With Steamboat pressing, Vail scored on a cross from the top of the right box to the left post to make it 4-2.

“I think we were tired and pushing up,” Tebbenkamp said. “But for a team like us getting back into the soccer scene up here, it’s not a bad showing.”

Tebbenkamp said he wasn’t sure when Steamboat Pacific’s next game would be. The team could play El Mexico from Craig on Saturday.

— To reach Luke Graham, call 871-4229

or e-mail lgraham@steamboatpilot.com