In the first Class 4A semifinal, Niwot continued riding the upset express. The 11th-seeded Cougars ousted second-seeded Golden, on an 18-yard free kick from Lauren Shaner in the 45th minute.

Shaner was right at the edge of the penalty box and she cranked in the decisive shot.

“We practice it every day, Kaitlin (Buck) and I,” Shaner said. “I stepped up to it and said this could be our only chance to score. It’s like one and you’re done.”

Niwot managed only six shots in the game, so it was clear that Shaner’s opportunity was vital.

Golden of course could set up a wall only eight yards in front of the goal, and the Demons didn’t have many players in, perhaps to preserve the vision of goalkeeper Kaila Sutter.

“It’s the goalie who sets the goal however she wants,” Shaner said. “She’s a very good goalie, just look at all her saves.”

Sutter did stop a pair of first-half shots from Lauren Braman, but the Cougars barely missed another try early in the second half when Brittany Davidson’s header bounced off the crossbar.

Golden also experienced bad luck when a shot from Kailey Osbaugh was slowed by Niwot goalkeeper Alexis Zumwalt. The ball continued rolling very slowly toward the net and some of it had crossed the goal line, but was cleared by Buck, who was a standout on defense the entire game..

“Kaitlin Buck played amazing,” Shaner said.

Golden coach Bill Hillen was thinking of that near-score after the game.

“We should have finished our opportunities,” he said. “But that’s part of life. You can’t put any fault on anybody. It’s a team effort.”

Niwot will face off against league rival Silver Creek for the Class 4A championship next Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. at Pirate Field.

Silver Creek 4, Broomfield 0

The soccer prowess of the Northern League is showing through with three of the four semifinalists and two of those vying for the state championship.

But Silver Creek might just be the best of the bunch. The Raptors had the most decisive win all day at Pirate Field and certainly had the top performer in Erin Gunther, who scored a hat trick against the Eagles.

Even Cassie Sheffield’s goal in the 31st minute would have held up against Broomfield, but Gunther added three insurance goals. Her first two goals were deftly struck chips that carried over Broomfield goalies Caitlin Updyke (in the 40th minute) and Megan McCain (in the 61st).

“That’s always been my shot, so I just decided to try it,” Gunther said. “There was a great feed both times from Kate (Russell).”

Gunther’s third and final goal came off a penalty kick, but she actually was the one who was fouled. Gunther had broken free of the defense and was moving in with the ball when she was tripped from behind.

Despite a sore hip from the fall, Gunther blasted in the PK and secured the trick.

“Erin Gnther is just a terrific player,” Raptors coach Merv Johnson said. “She works hard, she won’t give up, she’s composed on the ball.”

Johnson also was pleased with being able to play on the well-proportioned field at Englewood High School.

“Our speed really works well here,” he said. “Cassie was 15 yards ahead of her defender all game.”

Niwot 0 1 -- 1

Golden 0 0 -- 0

Goal – N, Lauren Shaner, 75th. Shots – N 3-3 6; G 5-3 8. Saves – N, 1-0 1; G, 2-0 2. Corner kicks – N, 1-1 2; G 2-1 3. Yellow cards – G, Ashley Johnson, 15th.

Broomfield 0 0 -- 0

Silver Creek 2 2 -- 4

Goals – 1, SC, Cassie Sheffield, 32nd. 2, SC, Erin Gunther (Kate Russell) 40th. 3, SC, Gunther (Russell) 61st. 4, SC, Gunther (penalty kick) 72nd. Shots – B 1-3 4; SC 6-9 15. Saves – B 1-1 2; SC 0-0 0. Corner kicks – B 2-0 2; SC 3-1 4. Yellow card – SC, Susan Fink, 44th. Red card – B, Kerry McMenamin, 58th.

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