LAKEWOOD — It was not as if the Wheat Ridge girls soccer team was mired in a prolonged slump.
Yet as the two-time defending Class 4A state champions, the Farmers are not accustomed to suffering two losses and a draw within three weeks, even if those results occurred against solid, playoff-caliber opponents.
So, going into No. 4-ranked Wheat Ridge’s Jeffco League showdown against No. 5 Golden, the Farmers wanted to prove they are rounding into form with the postseason rapidly approaching. And Wheat Ridge did just that on Tuesday, posting a dominant 3-0 victory at Lakewood Memorial Stadium.
Wheat Ridge’s victory toppled Golden from the driver’s seat in the 4A Jeffco League, arguably the toughest girls soccer conference in the state, and left No. 2-ranked Green Mountain in charge of its own destiny for the league crown.
“We talked about this kind of starting off our playoff run,” Wheat Ridge coach Dan Watkins said. “We really wanted to come out and get a win tonight against our rival. You know it was going to be a big game and that we were going to get their best. We really tried to set the tone for the playoffs, get a win tonight, and that way we could kind of focus on what we need to for hopefully playing our best soccer when we get into the tournament.”
Wheat Ridge (9-2-1, 6-2) received two goals from junior Brooke Livingston and one goal and one assist from senior all-state forward Annie Kunz. Goalkeeper Hannah Van Wetter recorded 10 saves to post the shutout.
Livingston staked the Farmers to a quick lead with a long-range blast in the fifth minute that arced over the head of Golden goalie Casey Polk. The Farmers padded their lead in the 25th minute when a corner kick from Carly Nelson was redirected in front of the net by Kunz before Livingston put home her second goal of the contest.
Golden (8-3-1, 6-1-1) produced six shots on goal against Van Wetter in the first half and 10 overall but could not chip away at Wheat Ridge’s lead. Kunz finally capped the scoring with 4:19 remaining with her 20th goal of the season.
“It’s always fun to come out and battle against Golden. You always want to give it your all in the game,” Livingston said. “We really needed to get some good momentum going into the playoffs, and I really think this is going to kick us off.”
Golden 0 0 — 0
Wheat Ridge 2 1 — 3
Goals: WR, Livingston (unassisted), 5th minute; WR, Livingston (Kunz), 26th minute; WR, Kunz (unassisted), 75th minute. Shots on goal: G, 6-4—10; WR, 4-5—9. Saves: G (Polk 6); WR (Van Wetter 10). Corner kicks: G, 3-4—7; WR, 4-2—6. Fouls: G, 2-4—6; WR, 3-6—9. Yellow cards: WR, Boisnard.
