Opinion: Lions defender enjoys rare glare of the spotlight

COMMERCE CITY • Soccer defending is the worst gig in sports.

When a sleek attacker sneaks through for a goal, all eyes turn to the defender who messed up. This makes defending a great job … if you have ambitions to become a social outcast. Otherwise, it’s thankless and anonymous.

Well, it’s usually thankless and anonymous.

Chad Edmundson, a center defender, was the lead hero Tuesday in Colorado Springs Christian School’s 3-1 victory over Denver Christian in the Class 3A state final at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.

Minutes after the game, Edmundson worked his way through a CSCS throng, accepting hugs and slaps on the back and words of praise.

Give him his moment. He earned this unexpected taste of glamour.

As expected, Edmundson played superb defense, using his speed to cover acres of turf.

But coach Tim Egeler doesn’t keep Edmundson in a defensive box. He lets him roam, pushes him to test his offensive skills.

Edmundson, a junior, responded to his coach’s faith by scoring the game’s first two goals.

He struck almost instantly. Three minutes into the game, Michael Gills launched an expertly placed corner kick into the center of the goal mouth.

And Edmundson was there waiting.

“Beautiful cross,” he said. “Couldn’t ask for anything better. As I was running up to it, I had a feeling.”

It was a good feeling. He was virtually sure he was about to score. Edmundson hit the ball with the left center of his forehead, and Denver Christian goalie Austin Hart had no chance.

Seven minutes later, Edmundson lined up for a 50-yard free kick. He wanted to place the ball 6 yards outside the box. Instead, his soaring shot took one big bounce straight into the net.

“I wasn’t expecting it to get there,” he said.

But it did, and that’s good. Edmundson and his teammates dominated the first half and looked ready to bury Denver Christian’s Crusaders.

But the Crusaders revived and dominated the second half, barely missing on a half-dozen chances to cut the CSCS lead to a goal.
Edmundson didn’t try to hide his joy after the game. He thanked God for his help at least a dozen times.

“God was there for me,” he said.

He mentioned nearly all of his teammates, saying he never could have scored without their help.

“I’m so thrilled to be running around playing soccer with this awesome bunch of guys,” Edmundson said.

And he talked about the thrill of playing on the same field where David Beckham and Landon Donovan have played.

“I’ve seen games here,” he said, “but I never dreamed I would play here. I never dreamed this.”

It had been a great night for high school soccer. The game was spirited, physical, but never crossed the line to brutality. It was fast moving and dramatic.

And, best of all, the night featured a defender busting free from traditional chains. That was sweet to watch.