Boulder City Eagles defeat Equipo Academy to open playoffs

Boulder City High School girls soccer opened the postseason with a 2-0 win over Equipo Academy on Oct. 26. The victory marks the first step for the Eagles in their playoff bracket after a successful regular campaign.

The team entered the match with momentum from a regular season that included nine wins. Goals from Lila Stankovic and Kora Remedi gave Boulder City the decisive edge against the Equipo Academy Yeti. The result extended the Eagles' winning streak and set the stage for the remainder of the tournament.

Head coach Kristin Shelton emphasized consistency as the primary focus for the upcoming rounds. She stated that the team must maintain high energy and a positive mindset while executing skills practiced throughout the year. Shelton noted that the squad is adjusting minor weaknesses but is relying primarily on established team strengths to defeat opponents.

The Eagles' offensive approach distinguishes them from other teams in the classification. Nine different players scored at least one goal during the regular season, with five of those players recording at least four goals. This diversity in scoring options reduces reliance on any single player to generate points.

Shelton described this scoring variety as a key factor for the team's success. She observed that many opponents depend on one or two players for their goals, whereas Boulder City has multiple players capable of finding the net. This dynamic reflects the trust players place in one another and supports the team's progression through the playoffs.

The team demonstrated this collaborative style in its final regular season game on Oct. 21. Boulder City defeated Cristo Rey 3-0 in that match. Brooklyn Rose, Savanna Starley, and Stankovic each scored a goal in the victory. Stankovic also recorded an assist in that game, adding to her season totals of 17 goals and 10 assists.

Goalkeeper Reese Pusko secured the shutout in the Cristo Rey match with two saves. Her 66 saves for the season rank seventh in the 3A classification. The Eagles will play Virgin Valley on Oct. 28, with coverage of that match scheduled for next week.