Columbine senior Tricia Boyle (14) and Chatfield junior Morgan Webb (13) chase after the ball Thursday. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)
LAKEWOOD — The Class 5A Jeffco League girls soccer title continues to run through Columbine.
The Rebels, ranked No. 5 in the final CHSAANow.com 5A girls soccer rankings, claimed their fourth-consecutive conference title Thursday night at Lakewood Memorial Field. Columbine (11-4, 7-0 in league) defeated rival Chatfield 2-0 to finish off an undefeated league run.
“It’s extremely important,” Columbine sophomore Lexi Porter said of the Rebels keeping a firm grip on the conference title having won five in six years. “It shows how good our program is within the community.”
Chatfield has been a thorn in Columbine’s side during the Rebels’ domination the past several years in 5A Jeffco. The Chargers actually have a 3-2-1 record against the Rebels during the current four-year run of league titles by Columbine.
“They are always a tough match,” Columbine coach Brian Todd said. “They are our cross-town rival. I have a lot of respect for Brock (Chatfield coach Brock Blume) and what he does with his program is exceptional. It’s always a battle when we come out and play.”
Columbine’s previous win over its rival since it began its string of conference championships was a 2-0 playoff win in 2015. Chatfield actually handed the Rebels two losses in 2014 when Columbine won the 5A state championship, its first team state title in any girls sport.
Columbine’s Tess Barton (2) works into open space in front of Chatfield’s Kylie Wells. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)
Thursday’s game featured a great crowd turnout on both sides and a late first-half goal by Columbine freshman Teagan Marshall broke a scoreless tie. A pass from senior Amanda Porter found Marshall and the freshman didn’t miss her opportunity.
“I saw Amanda (Porter) about to cross it and thought, this is my chance,” Marshall said. “I’ve been trying to score all season.”
Marshall tapped the shot past Chatfield goalie Meghan Dunning in the 34th minute to give the Rebels the lead.
“She (Marshall) is a big-time player and has done a ton for us all year long,” Todd said. “What’s really cool about tonight is that was her first career goal and it was against Chatfield. It really broke the ice for us and let us settle in.”
Another one of Columbine’s underclassmen gave the Rebels an insurance goal five minutes into the second half. Lexi Porter, younger sister of Amanda, bent a corner kick into the back of the net in the 45th minute to put the Rebels up 2-0.
“I didn’t think it was going to go in at first, but then I saw it go right over the goalie’s hands,” the sophomore said. “It was an amazing feeling.”
Columbine’s Skylar Alward (7) and Chatfield’s Mikala Furuto battle for a header. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)
Columbine junior goalie Madeline Samuelson was solid in net, including making a key save in the final five minutes to preserve her seventh shutout victory of the season. Chatfield (9-5, 5-2) just couldn’t muster up enough offensive pressure to get many scoring chances.
“It’s a great night. It’s a great game every year,” Todd said after Columbine and Chatfield players shook hands after the league finale for both teams. “It’s something special as you can see.”
Columbine was coming off having its 7-game winning streak snapped the night before at Lakewood Memorial. Defending 5A state champion Grandview blanked the Rebels 2-0. While Grandview isn’t currently ranked, the Wolves (10-3-1) are No. 2 in the 5A girls soccer RPI rankings.
“An excellent rebound,” Todd said. “It’s tough to go back-to-back against good opponents with an emotional rival opponent tonight. I’m proud of the team. I think we’re in a positive place heading into the playoffs.”
The Rebels were No. 10 in the RPI coming into Thursday’s game and should have no problem grabbing a home game for the opening game of the 5A state playoffs that begin May 9. The 32-team state bracket will be posted on CHSAANow.com on Sunday.
Chatfield was No. 21 in the RPI coming into the game. The Chargers will make the postseason field, but will likely be in the road. Ralston Valley (10-4, 6-1) finished runner-up to Columbine in the conference and should get a home game. Arvada West (11-4, 4-3) is the fourth 5A Jeffco team that is on the edge of making the playoffs. The Wildcats were No. 30 in the RPI heading into Thursday’s games.
Columbine’s Katy Greenstreet (3) attempts to get a shot off in front of Chatfield’s net during the Rebels’ 2-0 win at Lakewood Memorial Field. (Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)