GILPIN COUNTY – The Eagles’ soccer team won the coin toss on April 16 against the Clear Creek Golddiggers and elected to let them kick off so that the wind would be to Gilpin’s back during the first half—a decision they nearly came to regret.

On that first kickoff possession by Clear Creek, they promptly marched downfield to the front of the Eagles’ net. A solid strike flew toward the top corner of the net. Just barely within her reach, goalkeeper Jadie DiMauro was able to deflect the shot, making her first save of the contest and keeping her team even with their opponent.

Gretchen Osteboe centering the ball toward the opponent's goal.

Photos by Dave Gibson

That may have been a wakeup call, because Gilpin would spend more time attacking the Golddiggers’ goal than defending their own the rest of the way.

Gretchen Osteboe made a precise through pass to Elise Vincent, who booted the ball in for the Eagles’ first point of the match. The half came to a close with Gilpin ahead by a score of one to nothing.

Clear Creek proved to be a worthy adversary; the Eagles would have to be on their toes if they wanted to record a victory in this one. Riley Edwards scored an unassisted goal in the second half to give the Eagles a 2-point lead.

With seven minutes remaining, defender Keira Ferrantte hyperextended her knee and was out of action for the rest of the game (she has since fully recovered). Shorthanded to begin with, Gilpin was forced to field just 10 players instead of the usual 11. The defense held and the Eagles came away with a 2-0 win.

#10 Keira Ferrantte making one of her five steals.

Photos by Dave Gibson

Elise Vincent finished the match with 1 goal and 3 steals. Riley Edwards registered 1 goal. Jennifer Rodriguez-Jimmenez led the defense with 9 steals. Katie and Molly Brennan had 6 steals apiece. Keira Ferrantte nabbed 5 steals and Gretchen Osteboe contributed 3 steals and 1 assist. Jadie DiMauro recorded 8 saves.