Colorado Springs – Karly Findorff’s contribution to Thursday’s playoff win over Greeley West was a matter of perspective.
In the big picture, the Cheyenne Mountain junior central midfielder was at the root of everything positive for the Indians. She possessed the ball, distributed to all spots of the pitch and headed home a goal late in the second half.
To her coach, the top-seeded Indians looked great in their 2-0 victory – but have the ability to be much better.
“I don’t think we played as well as we can play,” coach Nikki Athey said. “We didn’t play through our middle. We didn’t use our middle like we normally do.”
Imagining another gear on Findorff and the Class 4A defending state champion Indians is scary, especially since they outshot the Spartans 12-5 and had the lion’s share of possession.
Sophomore Simone Domme gave Cheyenne Mountain the lead in the seventh minute before Findorff scored with 13 minutes remaining to move the team into Saturday’s state semifinal game at Legacy Stadium.
The Indians (15-1-2) registered their third consecutive shutout and 12th of the season.
Surprise champions a year ago, the Indians seem just as comfortable with the proverbial target on their backs.
“Every time we come out here, we’re so psyched to play,” striker Kelley Lawson said. “This team is so awesome. Everyone loves each other.”
Cheyenne Mountain gave up the first shot of the game but clamped down until Greeley West (8-10) went out with a flurry of near-misses.
Greeley West standout Laura Engel made her season debut after having surgery on her foot in January. She entered with 14 minutes remaining.
Greeley West 0 0 – 0
Cheyenne Mountain 1 1 – 2
Goals – Domme (Lawson), 7th minute; Findorff (Pillard), 67th. Shots on goal – Greeley West 1-4 – 5; Cheyenne Mountain 6-6 – 12. Saves – Greeley West (Harter) 5-5 – 10; Cheyenne Mountain (Turner) 1-4 – 5.
Corner kicks – Greeley West 2-3 – 5; Cheyenne Mountain 2-1 – 3. Offsides – Greeley West 0-0 – 0; Cheyenne Mountain 4-4 – 8. Fouls – Greeley West 1-3 – 4; Cheyenne Mountain 4-5 – 9. Yellow cards – None.
