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Glenwood Springs — Steamboat Springs took a big step toward dethroning Class 4A Western Slope League champion Glenwood Springs on Thursday night. Steamboat's Nikki Garth broke a 1-all deadlock, scoring in the 69th minute to give the Sailors a 2-1 victory over Glenwood in girls soccer action at Stubler Field.

"I knew it would probably be a one-goal difference in the score, and I think (Steamboat coach) Rob Bohlman thought the same thing," Glenwood coach Steve White said.

"I think both teams spent themselves on the field," White added. "I look forward to pushing each other to the playoffs." The defeat was the first league loss of the season for Glenwood (4-1-1 WSL, 5-2-1 overall), while Steamboat takes a commanding lead in the league race with a perfect 8-0 mark.

Garth's goal was one of the few opportunities either team had inside the box. The senior midfielder took a pass from Tracy Lucas, made a quick move around a Glenwood defender at the top of the penalty box, and then beat Demon goalie Keegan Nadon to the ball with a sliding shot for the winner. "That was exactly what we knew they could do," White said of the touch passing that led to the goal.

The contest opened with neither team getting into an offensive flow early, and, with the exception of a few spurts, a majority of the game was played between the penalty boxes.

"Our play was sloppy," Bohlman said. "It was a blue collar effort, but, that being said, this was a great match for both teams. We haven't seen that level of play this season."

Steamboat's Jessica Dover opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a blast from outside the penalty box over the outstretched hands of Nadon. The Demons netted the equalizer in the 64th minute after Tobie Rippy was taken down on the right side of the penalty box, and Glenwood was awarded a penalty shot.

Heidi Wild netted the penalty kick with a low shot in the left corner past Steamboat goalie Kirsten Ryan.

The goal was the first this season allowed by Ryan, who also played a pivotal role defensively in disrupting the Glenwood offense. The freshman keeper often played 15 yards outside the penalty box, essentially acting as an extra defender.

"We definitely have a very special keeper," Bohlman said. "She has the ability to play a sweeper-keeper position, and it brings a big dynamic to the team. I think it was a key link in the whole game." Glenwood travels to Palisade for another league contest Saturday at Palisade. The Demons and Sailors play again in Steamboat Springs on April 29.