Contrary to chivalry and good sense, Faith Christian coach Will Lind is hoping the best team does not win tonight’s Class 3A girls state soccer championship.
The best team, according to Lind, is Denver Christian.
“They are the defending state champs,” he said. “They’re loaded with seniors. For us to compete, we’re going to have to play one of our best games of the season.”
The Metropolitan League rivals meet for the second time this season at 6 p.m. at the North Area Athletic Complex in Arvada with the 12th-seeded Crusaders (13-1-4) trying to become the first 3A team to win consecutive titles.
What Faith Christian (14-3-0) lacks in experience has been compensated by the golden boot of junior forward Marissa Ranberger.
Ranberger has 29 goals this season through a mixture of speed, skill and determination. Ranberger scored two goals Friday in the semifinals.
“I know she’s been a good player, but now she’s just so confident,” Crusaders coach Brad Homan said. “Can we semi-contain her? I don’t think there’s anyway to stop her.”
Behind Ranberger is standout midfielder Kathleen Paulsen and two underclassmen stoppers – freshman Holly Auguta and sophomore Danielle Strickland.
Denver Christian arrived at this point last season relatively below the radar before beating Kent Denver 4-0 in the final. The Crusaders returned most of their key players this season but have not been as dominant.
“I’ve tried not to make too big of a deal out of any single game this year,” Homan said. “I think that has allowed the girls the freedom to be up and down a little bit.”
Chrissy West leads the balanced Crusaders with nine goals this season. Freshman forward Lindsey Landhuis has been a source of energy for the Crusaders, while Kelsey Wiggins and Jennifer Conner have been solid in the midfield.
STATE TOURNAMENT
CLASS 5A
Championship
Tuesday at Legacy Stadium, Aurora
(3) Arapahoe (17-1-1) vs. (8) Mountain Vista (15-3-1), 7:15 p.m.
CLASS 4A
Championship
Tuesday at Legacy Stadium, Aurora
(14) Niwot (13-4-2) vs. (4) Cheyenne Mountain (15-2-2), 5 p.m.
CLASS 3A
Championship
Today
At North Area Athletic Complex, Arvada
(12) Denver Christian (13-1-4) vs. (2) Faith Christian (13-3-0), 6 p.m.
