x
Breaking News
More () »

Arapahoe defeats Ralston Valley in top-10 soccer matchup

The No. 4 Warriors had a strong second half in their 3-1 win over No. 9 Ralston Valley on Thursday evening.

LITTLETON – The second half proved to be the difference for the Arapahoe girls soccer team.

The Warriors, who are ranked No. 4 in Class 5A, struggled early against No. 9 Ralston Valley in the top-10 matchup at Littleton Public Stadium on Thursday evening.

But turning the tables after halftime allowed Arapahoe to remain undefeated (6-0) on the season with a 3-1 victory.

"We decided it was time to step it up, physically and mentally," senior forward Audrey Weiss said. "In the first half, our heads weren't in the game where they should have been. In the second half, we had a lot more focus and a lot more want to win."

The visiting Mustangs struck first in the 15th minute off a corner kick that was deflected in by Maggie Snyder. Ralston Valley would take that 1-0 lead into halftime.

But the Warriors returned from half looking like a different squad with multiple chances that finally resulted with a goal in the 45th minute. Lauren Walter was who capitalized on an opportunity when Ralston Valley's goalkeeper came out for a backwards pass that got too far ahead.

Arapahoe followed that up almost immediately to take its first lead as Weiss threaded a shot into the top-left corner of the net from 11 yards out two minutes later (47th minute).

Adding an insurance goal in the 67th minute was Summer Mock, who tapped in a deflection from the shot of Sarah Haysley.

"I think we got a lot of momentum from our first goal, which was good to get it going" Weiss said. "I like our attitude. We know when to pick it up, and we just really want it."

Arapahoe (6-0) will next play No. 1 Grandview (2-0) on April 2.

Ralston Valley falls to 2-1 on the season and will next play Chatfield on April 3.

Watch the extended video above and see the highlights on the 9NEWS Prep Rally this weekend.

Before You Leave, Check This Out