Olivia Morris
After a red-hot start to the season, the Green River Lady Wolves Soccer team hit their first speed bump last week-but instead of slowing down, they're using it as fuel. The team stands at 4–1 overall after a thrilling but tough 7–5 loss to Jackson and a bounce-back 5–1 rivalry win over Rock Springs. Now, with two major matchups against Natrona County and Kelly Walsh on deck, the Lady Wolves are focused, hungry, and ready to prove they belong at the top of 4A.
Head Coach Matt Robles didn't sugarcoat the Jackson loss.
"It was a bitter one," he said. "We were up multiple times and just didn't close it out. Jackson's a top-tier team, and they made us pay for every mistake. But we scored five goals, we pushed them to the wire, and we walked out of there knowing we belong in these kinds of games."
And Green River responded like contenders. Against Rock Springs, the Wolves wasted no time-scoring twice in the first six minutes and never looking back. Green River's high-powered offense kept them in the fight until the final minutes, with Brookelyn Phillips and Isabell Vasco continuing to shine. Phillips, a freshman attacking midfielder, scored in both games last week-including a hat trick against Rock Springs-bringing her total to four goals in two games. Vasco added three goals and six assists over the same stretch, once again driving the team forward with her relentless pace, vision, and energy. Brynlee Cordova also chipped in with two goals, reinforcing the Lady Wolves' offensive depth, while Olivia Morris gave fans a moment to celebrate when she scored her first career goal in the win over Rock Springs.
"That was a special moment," said Robles. "The whole bench lit up when Olivia scored. She's worked hard for that, and seeing it pay off in a rivalry game? Couldn't ask for more."
But Robles is also quick to keep the team grounded.
"We know we're going to score goals," Robles said. "That's not usually the issue. Our focus right now is on staying locked in defensively for a full 80 minutes."
The defense, led by Claira Kuball, Mylie Mele, Autumn Sax, and keeper Mikayla Flores, is showing growth. Despite the high-scoring nature of some games, the Lady Wolves have three shutouts under their belt and are becoming more cohesive with each match.
"We're building from the back," said Robles. "Once that unit clicks fully, we'll be even tougher to beat."
This weekend, Green River faces two massive tests. Natrona County brings a balanced attack and one of the state's top goalkeepers, while Kelly Walsh, the reigning 4A state champions, enters the weekend ranked number one in the state and unbeaten in conference play.
"These are the games you circle on the calendar," said Robles. "Natrona's keeper is elite. Kelly Walsh is stacked. But we're not backing down. We're embracing the challenge."
And so far, that challenge has brought out the best in the Lady Wolves. With offensive firepower, defensive grit, and a locker room full of players stepping up across the board, Green River is poised for another big moment.
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