Mullen is following Mountain Vista’s Class 5A state championship blueprint to perfection.
So far, at least.
The dark horse Mustangs stunned the Golden Eagles – surprise champions a year ago – with a goal in the second overtime from sophomore standout Danielle Foxhoven for a 1-0 victory Saturday at Legacy Stadium.
Mountain Vista’s 2005 title came in its first season at 5A, while Mullen is only in its second season, playing up after winning three state titles in 4A.
“I just pulled back and shot it,” Foxhoven said of her game-winner with 11:48 remaining before the game went to penalty kicks. “It was unreal.”
It was also a slice of revenge for Mullen (16-2-1), which was knocked out of the second round of the playoffs last season by Mountain Vista (15-2-2).
The youthful Mustangs began the season unranked, only to win the Centennial League.
Seventh-seeded Mullen will face 2005 runner-up Arapahoe (16-3) in Tuesday’s final after Arapahoe knocked off Heritage 1-0 for its fifth consecutive shutout.
Top-seeded Heritage (13-2-4) had scored seven goals in two victories over Arapahoe during the regular season, but again was knocked out of the postseason by its bitter rival.
Suzanne Sittko scored 58 seconds into the second half for Arapahoe, which will be after its first state title in girls soccer since 2000 and ninth overall.
Tuesday’s final is scheduled to begin at 7:15 p.m., or immediately after the 4A final.
Class 4A
Revenge was a dish served twice Saturday.
Broomfield found its home pitch hospitable as the Eagles knocked off defending champion Cheyenne Mountain 1-0 to avenge last season’s semifinal defeat.
Senior Amanda Kafer scored as Broomfield (15-2-2) kept the speedy Indians (15-2-2) off the scoreboard for their 12th shutout of the season.
“It was really nice redemption for us,” Broomfield coach Jim Davidson said.
Kafer’s goal came on an assist from defender Kira Brannan, whose free kick led to Broomfield’s overtime victory over Regis in the second round.
Broomfield will play Ralston Valley (17-2-1) in Tuesday’s final at Legacy Stadium after the Mustangs beat Niwot 2-0 to avenge last season’s stunning playoff defeat on penalty kicks to Niwot (14-3-1).
Keely Hogan scored early and added another for Ralston Valley, which was playing in its first semifinal despite years of regular-season domination.
Ralston Valley remains undefeated this season against 4A competition.
“It’s our chemistry,” Ralston Valley coach Stephanie Carpenter said. “We work together, and it clicks. That’s what we’re here for.”
Tuesday’s final is at 5 p.m.
Class 3A
Defending champion Faith Christian will play for its third state title in girls soccer on Monday after the Eagles overwhelmed Metropolitan League rival Denver Christian 4-1 at the North Area Athletic Complex in Arvada.
Nicole Lukens, a transfer from Highlands Ranch, scored twice along with freshman Athena Lopez and returning 3A player of the year Marissa Ranberger as Faith Christian improved to 16-0-2.
“We were all thinking the semis would be a 1-0 score,” Ranberger said. “We came out so fired up. I’ve never seen these guys so fired up before.”
Faith Christian will have to beat rival Kent Denver (15-2-1) for the second time this season after the Sun Devils knocked off Colorado Academy 1-0 in overtime.
Sidra Bonnert headed home Britta Hollum’s corner kick for the winner.
“I took a deep breath and tried to get focused,” Hollum said.
“I just wanted to get under the ball and get it in front of their heads.”
Denver Christian and Colorado Academy both finished 11-6-2.
