The Whitefish girls soccer homecoming game could not have been more exciting. Bigfork brought talent and grit and gave the Lady Bulldogs a serious challenge, but Whitefish kept its composure and won, 2-0, becoming the first team to shutout Bigfork this season. 

“This was a tightly matched game and a huge win for the Lady Bulldogs on their home field during Homecoming week,” Whitefish Head Coach Kelly Ordway said.  

The Valkyries came to Smith Fields prepared for a physical game, rife with two-touch soccer. The first half was full of speedy chases to 50/50 balls and clever passing from both teams. The game stayed scoreless until late in the first half when Georgia Morrell scored on a pass from right winger, Sadie Olson. 

For most of the second half, it appeared the score would remain 1-0 with both teams continuing to play solid ball. With just minutes left in regulation, Whitefish scored again. 

“The game started getting more physical and their defender threw down our striker to receive a yellow card and earn us a penalty kick in the 78th minute,” Ordway said. “Delaney Smith put it away for a 2-0 victory.”

The team was able to find passing corridors and to work together defensively to shut down the opponent. Ordway said the defense was cohesive and solid.  

“One of our senior leaders noted freshman Sage Ordway and junior Macie Schmidt as MVPs,” Ordway said. “Truth Baxter and Anna Guzman stood out in the midfield with great distribution.” 

The team, including seniors Charlotte Perkins and Baxter, who were recognized at halftime for being part of the Homecoming Court, were not distracted by the festivities, but kept their heads down and their focus sharp. 

The Lady Bulldogs traveled to Missoula Saturday to play the Loyola Breakers. Whitefish came home with a 3-1 victory. 

Ordway said the Whitefish team moved the ball well. She said they also dominated possession and created opportunities, skills that have become trademarks of their playing style. 

Early in the game, junior winger Taylor Dorvall opened the scoring by sinking a direct free kick. Senior Truth Baxter scored Whitefish’s second goal in the 26th minute with what Ordway described as a “beautiful shot to the upper left quadrant off a reflection.” 

Loyola got on the board before halftime when eighth grader, Emerson Laird, scored. 

“The second half continued with great distribution,” Ordway said. “Midfielder Madi Gordon sent a pass up to Anna Boysen who feinted the goalkeeper and passed the ball into goal for her second varsity goal of the season.” 

The Lady Bulldog defense continued to shine, and Ordway said Jackie Solem was solid and confident in goal.  

“Grace Sliman is tenacious on defense and Taylor Dorvall creates great opportunities” Ordway added.  

The crowd was not only treated to a competitive game, but a demonstration of why soccer is the beautiful game. 

“The referees noted that this was the best sportsmanship he had seen all season, from both teams, captains and coaches,” Ordway said. 

The Whitefish girls soccer team plays Thompson Falls/Plains at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct 10, at Smith Fields and celebrates senior night. Half of the team, 10 players, are seniors this season. 

Oct. 1 Bigfork at Whitefish 

Fouls: Whitefish 4, Bigfork 2. Corner Kicks: Whitefish 2, Bigfork 1. Goalkeeper Saves: Whitefish Jackie Solem 6, Bigfork Irelynd V 4. Shots on Goal: Whitefish 5, Bigfork 6. 

Oct. 5 Whitefish at Loyola

Fouls: Whitefish 2, Loyola 1. Corner Kicks: Whitefish 10, Loyola 3. Goalkeeper Saves Whitefish Jackie Solem 2, Loyola Hattie Taylor 8. Shots on Goal: Whitefish 11, Loyola 4. 

    Freshman defender Sage Ordway blocks a pass at the homecoming game last week. (Julie Engler/Whitefish Pilot)
  

    A team hug celebration after Georgia Morell's goal in the homecoming game last week. (Julie Engler/Whitefish Pilot)