GILPIN COUNTY - Whenever the Gilpin Eagles and Nederland Panthers square off in any sport, spectators can expect a close, hard-fought contest. Monday, April 14, at Gilpin County Stadium was no exception.

Coming into the soccer match, the Eagles had steamrolled the opposition on their way to a perfect 7-0 mark while scoring 41 goals. Some quietly wondered whether the Panthers could keep up with Gilpin’s high-powered offense. Nederland had registered 14 goals so far this year on their way to a 4-2-2 record. Despite the statistical differences, the two teams achieved victories this season in similar fashion against common opponents.

Cheered on by local fans, the defenses on both teams rose to the occasion. Much of the match was played between the 30-yard lines of the field with a couple dozen steals between the two teams.

The first goal of the evening came at 22:05 of the first half. An Adele Fisher foul shot bounced off the goal’s crossbar directly to Danni Sternlicht for a header and a point. It would be the only goal of the entire match. Final Score: Gilpin 1, Nederland 0.

After extending his congratulations to the Gilpin County Eagles, Nederland Head Coach Luis Gonzalez offered some thoughts about his squad: “We are having a good season. I have confidence in this team. What these girls are doing game after game is incredible. I am really proud of them because they do their best in every match with passion, bravery, and honor.”

Gilpin Eagles Head Coach Sunny Vincent noted that “Nederland has a strong defense and made our offense work hard. The girls on our team know how to work together and persevere.”

The Panthers have four more matches to play this season, wrapping up with a league game on April 30 at home against Aurora West.

Seven more matches remain on the Eagles’ schedule with their last home game April 30 against Front Range Christian. They then finish up on the road May 1 and 2 against Fountain Valley then Twin Peaks Classical.