Green Mountain High School’s girls soccer team secured a 1-0 win over Wheat Ridge on April 10 at Lakewood Memorial Field. Senior Charlize Ellsworth scored the only goal of the match in the final minutes, helping her team to its first shutout victory of the season.
The result is significant for Green Mountain as it keeps them in contention near the top of the Class 4A/3A Jeffco League standings. Both teams are competing for playoff spots, and every point is important with only a few league games remaining.
Ellsworth suffered an injury earlier in the second half when she was hit in the face by a goalie kick but returned to play after being checked by an athletic trainer. “My lip is a little swollen, but it’s OK,” Ellsworth said. She later described her decisive free kick: “I saw the wall lined up and the goalie was to the left. I just wanted to place it in the bottom right. I wanted to at least force the goalie to make a save to get a rebound even.”
Green Mountain coach Bari Abuhadema said, “That is all you want to do. Get the win.” Abuhadema also noted, “This league is really even this year to be honest with you.” The Rams have now won five straight conference games since losing their opener against Evergreen, who currently leads league standings.
Wheat Ridge remains competitive despite Friday’s loss and has already surpassed last year’s win total. The Farmers are aiming for a playoff spot and will continue league play next week against Pomona at Lakewood Memorial Field.
Both Green Mountain and Wheat Ridge will return to action on Tuesday as they look to improve their positions ahead of postseason play.
