LAKEWOOD — The Valor Christian girls soccer team will not consider any victory against Wheat Ridge as revenge until the Eagles get a shot at the two-time defending Class 4A state champions during the state tournament.
Still, this one felt pretty sweet.
On Thursday, Valor Christian finally got the best of a Wheat Ridge squad that defeated the Eagles in each of the past two 4A state finals, posting a 3-2 victory in a thrilling Jeffco League match at Lakewood Memorial Stadium.
Junior Megan Gegen scored two goals, including a header that capped a gorgeous play for the Eagles’ third tally, to help top-ranked Valor remain undefeated (7-0, 5-0).
“(Wheat Ridge) is such a good team and so well- coached, we were really looking forward to having that kind of game again,” Valor coach Brock Becker said. “They’ve become our measuring stick, so to speak. We’re really excited to have this result. We know it has come with a lot of hard work.”
Gegen’s first goal gave the Eagles a 1-0 lead in the 10th minute, but No. 3-ranked Wheat Ridge (6-2-1, 3-2) drew even on a goal by Brooke Livingston with 41 seconds left in the first half.
Valor extended its lead on a rebound goal by Hannah Hommel early in the second half, and Gegen’s highlight-reel goal gave the Eagles a 3-1 lead with 14:33 remaining. Gegen’s header capped a brilliant play in which Valor did not let the ball touch the ground, beginning with a long cross from the left corner by Jaelene Hinkle that was one-touched in midair by Christine Adams directly to Gegen’s forehead.
A goal by Wheat Ridge’s Annie Kunz drew the Farmers within a goal with 7:45 to play, but Valor goalie Kailey Norman preserved the win with several strong saves.
“Christine gave a great ball to me, and I just headed it in,” Gegen said. “I knew it was going in right away.”
Valor Christian 1 2 — 3
Wheat Ridge 1 1 — 2
Goals — VC, Gegen (Subervi), 10th minute; WR, Livingston (Kunz), 40th minute; VC, Hommel (Subervi), 52nd min.; VC, Gegen (Adams), 66th min.; WR, Kunz (unassisted), 73rd min. Shots on goal — VC, 4-6—10; WR, 3-4—7. Saves — VC (Norman 5); WR (Van Wetter 7). Corner kicks — VC 3-0—3; WR, 1-0—1. Fouls — VC 14; WR 7.
