Opening Match Recap
Juneau-Douglas High School’s Crimson Bears began their ASAA Boys Soccer State Championship campaign on a high note, defeating the Colony Knights 3-0 in a controlled opening encounter. From the first whistle the Bears imposed a disciplined pressing scheme, forcing turnovers and limiting the Knights’ chances.
Sophomore forward Troy Edgar opened the scoring with a clinical finish that marked the tournament’s first goal, and he doubled the lead before halftime with a well‑timed strike from junior Maddox Carroll’s assist. Junior Sam Mason added a polished free‑kick in the second half to seal the three‑goal margin.
Between the lines, keeper Callan Walker turned in a series of sharp saves, preserving the clean sheet and earning praise from head coach Gary Lehnhart, who highlighted the team’s new substitution strategy as a factor in maintaining fresh legs.
The Bears’ strong defensive display was complemented by individual recognitions, with Jesper Bennetsen and Elliot Welch receiving the Good Sport Awards and Edgar collecting the team’s Lunch Box honor for his performance. Colony keeper Aidan Fisher managed five saves but could not prevent the Bears’ attack from finding rhythm.
With the victory, Juneau-Douglas advances to the semifinals where they will meet West Valley, a 4‑1 winner over Service. In the other half of the bracket, West Anchorage edged South Anchorage 3‑0 and Dimond dispatched Chugiak 4‑1, setting up a Friday night showdown between the two undefeated semifinalists.