Aurora – The only thing that quickly came out of Wednesday night’s playoff game between Poudre and Rangeview was how well the teams matched up.
That also hinted at a stalemate that would need a crucial mistake or a fantastic play to decide the outcome.
“Thank goodness it was our play,” Poudre senior forward Kelli Jestes said.
Jestes’ goal with less than two minutes remaining gave the 18th-seeded Impalas a 1-0 victory over the No. 15 Raiders in the opening round of the Class 5A state soccer tournament at Aurora Public Schools Stadium.
Forward Jessica Rogers got behind the Raiders’ defense, burst into the penalty area and managed a shot just before she was closed down. The ball hit the left post and bounced out for Jestes to send the Impalas (8-4-3) into their second-round matchup against No. 2 Grandview (14-1-1).
“She just hustled like none other and got down there and did her thing,” Jestes said of Rogers. “It was easy for me, I just had to tap it in.”
The victory was the second straight for the Impalas. Goalkeeper Emma Bailey made three saves for the Impalas, who picked up their sixth shutout of the season.
Poudre was the more dangerous team in the second half. Midfielder Krista Kruse nearly broke the deadlock in the 45th minute but pushed her shot just outside the far post.
The Raiders (7-6-3), who were shut out for the fifth time this season, had their best chance on a shot through traffic in the 66th minute by sophomore midfielder Tori Hepburn.
“It did seem like we were both content to see who would settle into their game,” Rangeview coach Tim Corby said. “In the second half, they took control of the ball as far as winning it.”
Poudre 0 1 – 1
Rangeview 0 0 – 0
Goal – Jestes (Rogers), 79th minute. Shots on goal – Poudre 2-2 – 4; Rangeview 1-2 – 3. Saves – Poudre (Bailey) 1-2 – 3; Rangeview (Baker) 2-1 – 3. Offsides – Poudre 2-1 – 3; Rangeview 0-0 – 0. Corner kicks – Poudre 2-2 – 4; Rangeview 0-3 – 3. Fouls – Poudre 1-4 – 5; Rangeview 8-7 – 15. Yellow card – Stephen, P, 68th minute.
