On a Tuesday where it rained for most of the day, soaking Boulder and putting an end to any talk of water shortages, it was only fitting that the skies cleared just in time for something else to break: Boulder High School girls soccer's playoff drought.

Under brightening skies at Christian Recht Field, the No. 9-seeded Panthers battled past No. 24 Horizon, 1–0, to claim their first postseason win since 2018—and extend what has already been one of the most memorable seasons in program history.

Rainy Day, Golden Moment

The first half started as a back-and-forth contest, with both teams struggling to build rhythm. Horizon had the better of the opening 25 minutes—roughly a 60/40 split in possession—but Boulder slowly found its footing. Around the 15-minute mark, the Panthers began connecting passes, calming their nerves, and pushing forward.

Then, with 9:35 left in the half, Zoe Silver delivered the breakthrough. After a quick combination in midfield, Kiri Fogarty-Sears, the state's top-scoring freshman, found Silver in space on the left wing. Silver cut inside and launched a right-footed shot into the top right corner—unstoppable, wet ball or not.

It was Silver's 11th goal of the season and Fogarty-Sears' 37th point. More importantly, it was the goal that snapped a seven-year playoff skid. Boulder led 1–0 at the half.

Holding Strong Under Pressure

The second half opened with both teams trading energy, but Horizon quickly shifted into attack mode, throwing numbers forward in search of an equalizer. Boulder absorbed the pressure well, though the opening 20 minutes of the half saw the ball spend plenty of time in their half.

Coach Carlos Real encouraged his players to stay calm and possess, but the game grew nervy as Horizon launched wave after wave of pressure. Boulder's defenders and midfielders kept their shape and composure, rarely allowing Horizon a clean look on goal.

As the final minutes ticked away, the Panthers focused on game management, maintaining possession and clearing their lines when needed. Senior goalkeeper Maisie Creamer, always composed, came up big in the final 40 seconds—leaping above a crowded box to snag a dangerous Horizon corner kick and secure her 11th shutout in 16 appearances. The Panther defense has now gone seven straight games without conceding a goal. Through 16 matches, Boulder has allowed just 5 goals total—while scoring 52.

A Statement Win

With the win, Boulder improves to 13-1-2 on the season, adding yet another line to a resume that already includes a Rocky Mountain League title, a perfect league record, and now, a playoff victory.

The Panthers also extended their dominance over Horizon, having now beaten the Hawks eight straight times dating back to 2018—including a 1–0 win earlier this season.

Final Score:

Boulder 1 – Horizon 0

Goal:

• Zoe Silver (assist: Kiri Fogarty-Sears)

Record:

13-1-2

What's Next:

Boulder awaits the result of the weather-delayed match between No. 8 Valor Christian and No. 25 Chaparral to find out who they'll face in the second round. If Valor wins, Boulder will travel to Highlands Ranch. If Chaparral pulls off the upset, the Panthers will host again on Friday, May 3.
 

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