Class 3A soccer state title game: CSCS-Denver Christian preview

CSCS vs. Denver Christian

When: 7 p.m. Tuesday

Where: Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City

Lions’ key to success: CSCS needs to possess the ball starting from the back line. The Lions’ short passing game works its way methodically from the defensive backs through the midfield to the highly talented forwards. If the back line continues to display patience while working the ball up the field, CSCS will control the tempo and the game.

Lions’ key players: Austin Seifert, Zac Egeler and Daniel Broas. The forwards have combined for 40 goals. Seifert and Broas constantly are threatening on the wings, while Egeler has 21 goals at the center striker position.

Lions’ key stat: 1. The lone blemish on the Lions’ record is a 2-2 draw with Denver Christian. CSCS had to battle back in that Sept. 10 game after falling behind 1-0.

Crusaders’ key to success: Defense. Denver Christian scored in the sixth minute the first time these teams met. The defense is going to have to be stalwart against the Lions’ relentless attack. If the defense can keep the ball out of its end, the offense will have to make every counterattack count.

Crusaders’ key players: Brent Ham, Jesse Ham and Jesse Montavon lead the team in scoring. Jesse Ham and Montavon tallied against CSCS in the first meeting.

Crusaders’ key stat: 2. It’s Denver Christian’s second trip to the title game since 2007. The Crusaders won it all that year.

He said it: “We just have to keep doing what we’ve been doing. Our system works well.” — CSCS coach Tim Egeler