Taking advantage of its opportunities while playing solid defense, Kinnelon knocked off defending state champion Glen Ridge 2-1 to advance to this year's Group I girls' soccer state final.

A goal by Emily Thiem in the opening minute gave Kinnelon a burst of confidence and set Glen Ridge back on its heels. The Colts doubled their lead early in the second half when Vanessa Gorman scored off a scramble following a well-placed corner kick by Casey Gray.

Kinnelon didn't have many other golden scoring chances; Glen Ridge goalie Ryanne Ege was credited with just one save. But the Colts made those two goals stand up. The defense prevented a lot of scoring chances, and Kinnelon goalkeeper Emily Kapr made four saves, including a brilliant stop shortly after the second goal.

Glen Ridge finally broke through with just over four minutes to play when Sam Sikkerbol scored from a corner kick by Colleen Grady. But the Colts pinned the ball in the Ridgers' end for most of the remaining time to secure the victory.

For Glen Ridge, the defeat ends a two-year run as Group I state champs. The Ridgers won the title outright in 2012 and shared it with Shore Regional last year. Glen Ridge finishes this season at 17-7-1.

Kinnelon, which won its only girls' soccer state title in 2006, will make its first trip to the finals since then. The Colts, now 19-5, will meet the other defending co-champion, Shore Regional, which is playing in its third straight final.

For sports video highlights of this New Jersey high school girls' soccer state tournament match, click play in the box at left.