Fittingly, it was a defensive back that set up the game-winning goal for Green Mountain’s girls soccer team last Thursday at Lakewood Memorial Field.
With time running out in regulation during the scoreless contest, sophomore defender Claire Miles put a direct free kick off the crossbar. Green Mountain junior Katie Marcheso eventually put the ball into the back of the net for the season-opening 1-0 victory against Ponderosa.
“It was a great service in there to give us a chance,” Green Mountain coach Ken Fehr said. “Claire has that ability to put the ball in there from 40 yards out.”
Green Mountain had a handful of offensive chances before Marcheso’s goal in the 77th minute, but could only manage the lone goal. However, it was enough for the victory.
“It was good to get one (goal) in,” Marcheso said. “We wanted to get the momentum going with some wins early. We have some real solid players and I think it’s going to be a good season.”
Freshman Lindsey Hendon recorded a shutout in her first prep game in net. The highly touted goalkeeper who plays for the Colorado Rush soccer club saved all six shots she faced from the Mustangs.
“Lindsey has good skills. She is a solid keeper,” said Fehr of starting a freshman in net. “For right now, she is going to be in goal.”
Miles said the confidence is high with Hendon starting in net to begin the season. Defense and not allowing goals with be key as Green Mountain drops from the Class 5A Jeffco League to maybe a more competitive 4A Jeffco League.
The conference features two-time defending 4A state champion Wheat Ridge, two-time runner-up Valor Christian, along with solid teams from Golden and D’Evelyn. Good news for the talent-laden conference is that six of the 10 squads will earn bids to the 32-team state tournament.
“We are really focusing on being strong in the back and then trying to find our forwards,” Miles said.
Holding the high-powered foes in check is something Fehr believes his team will be able to do.
“The defense is real strong,” Fehr said. “If we can figure a way to get the ball up top and be dangerous up there it’s all going to come together.”
Green Mountain (1-0-1 record) gets into league play against Conifer at 6 p.m. Monday, March 21, at Lakewood Memorial Field. The Rams will face the defending state champions at 4 p.m. Wednesday, April 6, at Lakewood Memorial and two days later will return to Lakewood Memorial for another 4 p.m. game against D’Evelyn.
“We know the challenges we face,” Fehr said. “We are excited about what is coming up.”
WHAT’S NEXT
Green Mountain faces Conifer at 6 p.m. Monday, March 21, at Lakewood Memorial Field to begin conference play.