Scott Stocker
The Community Christian girls soccer team found itself in a do-or-die situation in Monday’s game against league leading Mead. And, after the Crusaders 3-0 loss to the Mavericks at the Broomfield County Commons Park, the season could be coming to a quick close.
Community Christian fell to 7-4 on the season, 3-4 in the 3A Region 4 while Mead wrapped up the league title at 10-2 overall, 7-0 in the league. As of this past Tuesday, both teams still had a pair of games remaining on their schedules.
Mead junior forward Michelle Goff scored what would prove to be the game winning goal just three minutes into the contest on a cross from teammate Morgan Lu. That quick goal set the tone for the Mavericks as they were able to keep the ball in Community Christian’s territory for almost 70 of the 80 minutes played.
“It certainly was a good pass from Morgan that set up the goal,” Goff said. “It gave us a quick edge, but I was surprised that we got one so quickly. I’m also just glad we could follow up like we did last year to win the league again.”
Mead was able to come through with 15 shots on Community Christian, making it a tough afternoon for Crusaders goalkeepers Alex Quimby and Brittany Trammell. On the other hand, The Mavericks Sami Davison only had to make three saves.
Despite the loss, Community Christian coach Kevin Skeens was pleased with the way his players tough in the trenches.
“The girls played hard and they certainly don’t have anything to be ashamed about,” Skeens said. “Two of our starters were hurt today and we were just outmatched. Our defense played really strong, but Mead is a very good team with a lot of movement.
“We need to have Mead and Estes Park lose a game for us to really have a chance for the playoffs,” Skeens said. “But, I don’t see that. This loss, though, could put us out of the playoffs. But, we haven’t done bad in our league for being such a small school.”
Following a Community Christian foul in the 46th minute, Mead struck again via a free kick by Shayna Maypole.
“I was able to see where I wanted to hit the ball,” Maypole said. “From there, I just hit it the best I could. Their keeper just missed it and getting that goal felt pretty good.”
Lu, off an assist from Alex Juarez, scored the games final goal in the 65th minute.
“On my goal, it was a low pass from Alex from behind the defender,” Lu said. “I was able to hit the outside of the post. Now, the thing is to get ready for the playoffs.”
Down 2-0 at 60-minutes Community Christian came close to getting a much needed goal. At that point, the Crusader’s Makenna Castor, the team’s leading scorer this season, broke free and headed up the field. Unfortunately, here shot was saved by Davison.
“It was tough, but their offense was stepping up, but so did our offense,” Castor said. “But we were missing a couple of our teammates due to injury and that didn’t help. I’m just proud of the way our team has played.”
When it came to the defensive effort, Community Christian’s Khara Montoya, Sadie Garcia and Sophia Proano gave it their all.
“Actually, we did well against them defensively,” Montoya said. “They were on our side for much of the game. I think we all tried our hardest, but it seemed that we needed a little more life.”
Added Garcia, “They had some very strong players and they gave such a strong effort. But so did we. It was very tiring that we were back on defense so long. And, that one goal by (Maypole) was a lucky shot.”
Proano had similar thoughts.
“The Mead girls are so tough, but I’m proud of our team as no one gave up today,’ Proano said. “We just want to do well every time out and today, we gave it a good effort.”
Despite the quick score, Mead coach Mike Schulz felt this team came out a bit flat.
“I usually don’t like to see us score so early,” Schulz said. “CC played us tough. They are a much smaller school, but they played so well. We have a very young team with only two seniors, but the girls have been able to make things happen. We’re glad to get it for a second year.”
Mead 3, Community Christian 0
Mead 1 - 2 -- 3
Community Christian 0 - 0 -- 0
Goals: First half: 3rd minute- Mead (Michelle Goff) assist, Morgan Lu. Second half: 46th minute - Mead (Shayna Maypole) unassisted. 56th minute - Mead (Morgan Lu), assist, Alex Juarez. Shots: Mead, 15. Community Christian, 5. Saves: Mead, Sami Davison, 3. Community Christian, Alex Quimby, 10; Brittany Trammell, 4.
