By Brian Shaw | [email protected]

After coming so close and nearly breaking through at the end of last year when the Cottonwood boys soccer team won several region games, they continue their climb toward the summit. 

Before the Colts get there, however, they will still need to get that elusive first victory in 2019. So far, they've come up a bit short but with every game played, they see progress being made. 

"As coaches we are always excited to see who we are now and who we will become by the end of the season," said coach Dominic Militello. 

Cottonwood opened 2019 with a 6-2 loss at Riverton April 12, as two Colts players, Dave Dietz and Niraj Subedi, tallied. 

The Colts followed up that loss with four straight losses, all by one goal apiece, to the likes of Provo, West, Box Elder and West Jordan as March ended and April sprung. 

"At the end of the day any coach just hopes their kids will go out and compete. They (the kids) should want to leave a legacy they can be proud of," added Militello. "Coaches are there to support the players in their goals and objectives." 

On April 9, the Colts opened their region slate with a 3-0 loss at Corner Canyon, giving up two first-half goals. 

Cottonwood continued its region schedule with a game versus Timpview. The visitors struck once in each half to hand the Colts a 2-0 loss, keeping Cottonwood winless at 0-7 overall and 0-2 as region play has just begun. 

For the Colts, William Makoma leads the team in scoring with three goals, while four other players have chipped in a goal each. 

Next up for Cottonwood (after press deadline) are games at Alta and Brighton, two perennial region and state powerhouses.