Columbia Falls boys soccer recovered from their first loss of the season, 4-3, against Whitefish last week, with a 9-2 win over Libby on Thursday.

On Whitefish, coach O’Brien Byrd said, “We got scored on 41 seconds into the game and we never fully mentally recovered.” The loss, he said, was 90% psychological for a young team that hasn’t faced a true loss yet this season, and they will be looking to raise their confidence as high as possible as the season progresses. “As far as losses go, it was a really tough but beneficial lesson to learn early.”

Senior Kai Golan scored a hat trick for the team against Whitefish. Byrd was proud to see his team’s leadership and chemistry back in action on Thursday and praised the work of team captains Rafe Rusche, Ethan Henjum River Wolford and Golan.

On Tuesday the Cats edged Polson, 3-2. Kai Golan and River Wolford scored in the second half in the win. Wolford had two goals, Golan one.

Saturday will be the homecoming match against Bigfork, with boys to play at 7 p.m.

The junior varsity team tied Missoula Hellgate’s froshmore team Sept. 11. Freshman Logan Ruggerio opened the scoring for the Wildcats at the top of the box to give the squad an early lead.

 Hellgate tied the game just before half, then took the lead 20 minutes later. 

Sophomore Teagan Bates tied the match with 10 minutes remaining.