Five Garfield County high schools have muscled their way into this year’s state soccer playoffs, determined to showcase the grit of the Roaring Fork and Colorado River valleys. With Grand Valley, Rifle, Roaring Fork, Coal Ridge, and Glenwood Springs all seeded for a strong postseason run, excitement is building. 

“It’s been a pretty consistent occurrence to see these county teams in the playoffs,” Roaring Fork head coach Nick Forbes said, emphasizing the talent level of Western Slope teams. “It shows that we are just as strong as those Denver teams. The soccer up here is competitive.”

2A

Grand Valley Cardinals – No. 24 Seed

In a historic season, the Grand Valley Cardinals captured their first ever conference title with a 5-0-1 conference record, earning them the No. 24 seed in the 2A playoffs. With a mix of competition, the Cardinals have faced opponents in higher classifications throughout the season, which head coach Michael Kelly believes will benefit them against No. 9 Fountain Valley at 2 p.m. Friday at the Dawson School in Lafayette.

“Higher classifications usually mean tougher competition and more solid teams,” Kelly said. “For us, those were not losses, but lessons. We can always learn from those good teams because they’re playing a way that we should be.”

Kelly is confident that the Cardinals’ first playoff appearance won’t end without a fight. 

“These guys are ready to work the field and get some in the net,” Kelly said. “The drive and determination we’ve built all year is starting to show. The teamwork is there.” 

Kelly emphasized that their underdog status is something to embrace. 

“Rankings aren’t everything,” Kelly said. “Upsets happen every day. Underdogs go all the way, and that’s what we’re going to ride on.”

3A

Rifle Bears – No. 4 Seed

The Rifle Bears come in hot as the No. 4 seed, finishing 12-2-1 with a powerful second half of the season. The Bears went 9-1-1 after a tight early-season loss to Roaring Fork, only slipping once more to Coal Ridge. Senior Eduardo Espino has led the charge offensively, ranking ninth in the 3A state division with 16 goals and 40 points. Rifle will host No. 29 DSST: Conservatory Green at 3 p.m. Thursday, ready to leverage their home advantage.

“We have a great fan base that really shows up for us,” head coach Jonathan Espinoza said. “Having that energy behind us at home is huge. Playoffs are unpredictable, but we’re ready to bring our best game.”

Roaring Fork Rams – No. 5 Seed

This year’s 3A Western Slope champions, the Roaring Fork Rams, secured the No. 5 seed after going 10-3-2. Their season is studded with wins over top contenders Glenwood Springs, Aspen, Basalt, and Rifle. The Rams’ current seniors were just freshmen during the 2022 season when Roaring Fork clinched the state title, and they’re now eager to bring that same success to the field for another championship run. Sophomore Cal Stone, with 10 assists, ranks 10th in the 3A division, while Delano Cooks leads the Rams with 23 points. Anchoring the defense is junior goalkeeper Keven Cisneros, whose impressive 4.2 saves per match and .865 goals-against average put him 11th in the division. The Rams kick off their playoff journey against No. 28 Rocky Mountain Prep SMART at home at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Forbes credits the Rams’ disciplined approach to their success.

 “We take every game as seriously as any other,” Forbes said. “You show up, do everything the same, and prepare like it’s just another day at the office. This team is humble, hardworking, and they know how to get the job done.”

Coal Ridge Titans – No. 9 Seed

The Coal Ridge Titans, last year’s state runner-up, have returned as the No. 9 seed and are determined to finish what they started. Their 9-4-2 record reflects a fiercely competitive team, with three of those losses being close, one-goal matches. Leading the Titans’ defense is junior goalkeeper Colbran Ingelhart, who boasts 89 saves and seven shutouts. With a balanced roster, the Titans look to key players like Abel Lujan, George Roberts, and Giovanni Parker to bring their A-game against No. 24 Bayfield at 2 p.m. Thursday in New Castle.

“Our boys have found their rhythm and are confident in their style,” head coach Mike Mikalakis said. “Last year’s run gave them a taste of what’s possible, and they’re ready to take it all the way.”

4A 

Glenwood Springs Demons – No. 15 Seed

The Glenwood Springs Demons have had a season of highs and lows, finishing 7-5-3, but they’re hitting their stride just in time. With seniors Gael Mondragon and Jose Chavez leading the offense and sophomore goalkeeper Bryan Molina averaging 6.6 saves per match, the Demons are ready for their rematch against No. 18 Montrose at home on Thursday at 5 p.m. They bested Montrose 5-3 earlier this season, setting the stage for another battle.

Head coach Juan Quintero keeps his players focused on consistency over rankings. 

“Seeding doesn’t matter,” Quintero said. “It’s about playing our game and keeping our heads in the game. Our team is ready to make this count.”