Forward helps lead Knights to 3-0-1 beginning of season

PALMER — New to the Colony High School boys soccer program, Ben Sande entered the 2014 season somewhat of an unknown.

Coaches and players in the comp soccer world were well aware of Sande’s talents. But he wasn’t as a familiar name on the prep circuit. If Sande keeps it up, it won’t be long until everybody knows about the Colony sophomore forward.

Friday, Sande netted a hat trick during the first half to lead the Knights to a 3-0 win over East Anchorage. He followed the effort with a pair of goals Saturday in a 3-0 win over Chugiak.

“We knew he was a quality player,” Colony head coach Jeremy Johnson said of Sande.

Sande has now scored in the first four matches of the season for Colony (3-0-1). He scored the first goal of his CHS career last week against West Valley, converted a penalty kick during a 2-2 tie against defending state champion South Anchorage on Tuesday, and tallied a combined five goals in matches against East and Chugiak.

“He’s really quick on the ball, and has a good head for the game,” Johnson said. “He’s a fast player, reads the game very well.”

Sande has the speed, but he’s also shown a knack for putting the ball in the back of the net.

“He can definitely finish,” Johnson said. “He’s pretty good with either foot.”

Friday, Sande scored his three goals during a 15-minute span of the first half. During the 17th minute, Sande found a loose ball bouncing around the box and knocked it into the Thunderbird net to give the Knights the 1-0 lead over East. In the 28th minute, Asher Dale sent a ball up the field. Sande chased it down and lifted a shot into the net.

Four minutes later, Sande scored his third goal of the game. Rob Lozanoff picked up the assist to help Colony take the 3-0 lead.

Sande scored twice and Kyle Bolam also scored Saturday during the 3-0 win over Chugiak. Sande helped set up Bolam’s goal in the fifth minute. Sande put a shot on goal. The Chugiak goalkeeper made the save, and Bolam was there for the rebound.

“Kyle was doing his job, following the shot,” Johnson said.

Colony took a 2-0 lead during the 26th minute. Chris Olsen beat pair of defenders into the penalty box. Olsen drove to the goal line on the left side, and made a pass to Sande. Olsen found Sande’s feet with the pass, and Sande was able to easily tap in the goal.

Sande added his second goal of the game during the 29th minute to give the Knights the 3-0 advantage.

Next weekend, Colony hosts another three-match homestand. Service is at Colony Thursday at 7 p.m., Dimond visits Colony Friday at 7 p.m. and North Pole is at Colony Saturday at 9 a.m.

The Colony girls also hosted Chugiak on Friday, but results were unavailable prior to Frontiersman press time.

The Colony girls host Service Thursday at 5 p.m. and North Pole Saturday at 11 a.m.

South boys 6, Palmer 0

PALMER — Defending state champion South Anchorage scored a 6-0 win over Palmer Saturday at Machetanz Field.