The Boulder High girls soccer team grounded the red-hot Riverdale Ridge Ravens on Thursday night, earning a 1–0 win at Recht Field in a physical and emotional match.
Boulder entered with a 9-1-2 record, while Riverdale Ridge came in riding a seven-game win streak and an overall 10-1-1 mark. The Ravens hadn't lost since early March, but the Panthers clipped their wings with a strong team performance, handing Riverdale just their second defeat of the season.
Early Lightning, Early Lead
Just two minutes after kickoff, lightning in the area forced a 30-minute weather delay, sending both teams back to the locker rooms to regroup. When play resumed around 7:35 p.m., both sides came out aggressive, trying to set the tone early.
Ane Mackey
After a back-and-forth start, Boulder found its breakthrough with 18:50 left in the first half. After Kinley Kripke was fouled hard in the corner and had to leave the game, Mia DeJohn stepped up for the free kick. Her hard, dipping shot to the near post forced a save, but the keeper couldn't hold onto it. Ane Mackey reacted quickest, smashing the rebound high over the keeper's shoulder with her left foot to put Boulder up 1–0.
Boulder almost made it two a few minutes later. After solid build-up play, Tula Gonzalez worked the ball into the corner and laid it back to Elle Ceres at the top of the box. Ceres unleashed a rocket from 25 yards out that smashed off the crossbar. The rebound landed at Zoe Silver's feet for an easy tap-in, but she was ruled offside.
Elle Ceres
The first half finished with Boulder largely controlling possession, while Riverdale Ridge abandoned their typical possession style in favor of long balls over the top, hoping to catch the Boulder back line off guard — but the mistake never came. Maisie Creamer, Sylvie Rowe, Neva Woodson, and Maddy Moore anchored the defense and kept Riverdale from registering a single shot on goal in the half.
It was clear early that Riverdale Ridge had a specific plan for Boulder's leading scorer, freshman Kiri Fogarty-Sears. They assigned a shadow defender who spent most of the night physically marking, pushing, and fouling her all over the field in an effort to disrupt Boulder's rhythm.
Kiri Fogarty-Sears
A Scrappy Second Half
Both teams came out firing after halftime, and the first 15 minutes were played at a frantic pace, with possession changing rapidly and both fan sections getting louder. Coach Carlos Real urged his players to stay composed and keep the ball moving, but Riverdale Ridge's constant fouling pulled the Panthers into a faster, more chaotic style of play at times.
Still, Boulder's defense continued to absorb pressure and clear away long balls, while Riverdale Ridge never found a way to settle into a true possession game.
Sylvie Rowe
As the clock wound down under 12 minutes, Riverdale Ridge pushed more players forward, playing desperate long balls and hoping for a mistake, but Boulder stayed strong. Although the frantic pace made it difficult for Boulder to completely settle, the Panthers regained enough composure late to possess the ball and run down the clock.
It was a physical, hard-fought battle — but Boulder's patience, organization, and early goal made the difference.
Final Score:
Boulder 1 – Riverdale Ridge 0
Stats:
The Panthers' defense held strong all night, not allowing a single shot on target.
Record:
Boulder improves to 10-1-2 on the season.
Next Up:
The Panthers travel to face Westminster High School on Tuesday, April 29 at 6:30 p.m.
Check Out Game Photos
Gallery: (4-24-2025) Girls Soccer vs Riverdale Ridge 4-24-25
Check Out JV Game Photos
Gallery: (4-24-2025) JV Girls Soccer vs Riverdale Rdg 4-24-25
