Shootout lifts Liberty

Liberty goalkeeper Tiffanie Christoffersen came to the sideline after Pine Creek scored two penalty kicks against her in a shootout Saturday in the Class 4A state tournament round of 16.

"If Christa makes this, we win right?" Christoffersen asked a teammate.

Liberty's Christa Kelley hit the game-winning goal and the Lancers went crazy.

"I was really nervous," Kelley said. "But once I got up there I just took a deep breath and let it all out."

Liberty scored four shootout goals to Pine Creek's two to win the game that had ended in a 1-1 overtime tie.

With the win, Liberty advances to the quarterfinals. The Lancers (11-5-1) will host No. 14 Niwot (11-4-2). The game is scheduled to be played by Wednesday.

Christoffersen stopped two of the penalty kicks.

"I was nervous, but I just played like I knew how," Christoffersen said. "We practice (penalty kicks) every practice so I knew what to expect."

Liberty took an early lead when Rachel Gerdin scored off an assist from Katie Malick early in the first half.

"I haven't had a goal in like 10 years," said Gerdin, who leads the Lancers with 16 goals and four assists. "It was just one of those things. I knew I needed a goal for our team."

Pine Creek (12-4-1) tied the score on a penalty kick by Dani Flynn after a collision between Christoffersen and Pine Creek forward Sharon Burley inside the penalty area.

Burley sustained a concussion on the play and was taken to the hospital.

"It was a 50-50 ball and it just kind of slipped out and I hit her by accident," Christoffersen said.

Christoffersen was yellowcarded for the play and had to sit out the penalty kick. She was replaced by backup goalkeeper Kelly Gilliland.

Liberty had four consecutive corner kicks late in the second half, but could not find the goal.

With 45 seconds to play, the Lancers had a free kick opportunity 20 yards from the goal when Pine Creek was called for a hand ball. But Gilliland's shot sailed wide to the left.

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