COMMERCE CITY, Colo. — Eden Reece's first season with the Denver Christian girls soccer team was like a dream.
Better than a dream, actually.
Because she had an idea of how well things might go for the Thunder -- and what happened at Dick's Sporting Good Park on Tuesday night far exceeded it.
Not only did the Denver Christian goalkeeper post a shutout performance in net, but she also scored the first penalty kick in a shootout following two scoreless overtime periods to dethrone Dawson School, 0-0 (4-2) to win the Class 2A state championship.
"This has been my dream since I got into high school," Reece said. "I did not think it would be like this at all. It's so much better. I just can't stop smiling."
The 2019 title game was a 'three-match' of Denver Christian and Dawson School playing for the 2A championship. The Thunder last won in 2017 when they defeated the Mustangs the first time, before Dawson got redemption in 2018.
Another year brings another shift for the state crown.
This is Denver Christian's fifth state title in program history. Last season's title was Dawson School's first.
All season long, it appeared inevitable that the two teams would again meet in the final game of the season. Earlier this year, the Mustangs defeated the Thunder 2-1 in the regular season.
"It came down to just a few lucky shots, and a few lucky saves," Reece said. "Everything was evenly matched, and it was so much fun to play."
Watch the extended video above and see the highlights on the 9NEWS Prep Rally this weekend.