The Bulldogs soccer team won its first-round playoff game in Big Sky, outscoring Lone Peak 3-1 on Saturday. 

Whitefish Head Coach Eric Sawtelle said it was a spicy and scrappy game that had emotions running high. 

The match was marked by physical play and an unfortunate injury to Bulldog defender Jack Grant who suffered a tibia/fibula fracture early in the second half. 

Sawtelle said it was a beautiful day in Big Sky but not a beautiful game. 

“We came away with the win and earned another 80 minutes of playoff soccer, but unfortunately, that came at a cost,” he said. “Our thoughts, prayers and love go out to Jack Grant as he is currently awaiting surgery.” 

The Big Horns played physically and often dangerously. Sawtelle said Lone Peak committed several two-footed, studs-up tackles. 

“It was an intense battle, as expected, and they did a good job packing the box early on,” Sawtelle said. “Our boys stayed patient and maintained possession well, but it took a while for us to get our first good goal scoring opportunity.” 

The first goal came in the 38th minute when Rowan Perkins made a lovely cross to Kyler Jonson who skillfully finished it off at the far post. Perkins notched a second assist in the 50th minute, playing a direct ball through to Preston McPherson who calmly finished to make it 2-0. 

“Rowan had a great game,” Sawtelle said. “Our midfield held strong and were again dominant with impressive work from Wyatt Carlson in the central defensive midfielder role.”  

The Big Horns kept up the pressure and were awarded a penalty kick in the 73rd minute when several bodies were challenging for a loose ball at the top of the Whitefish penalty area. Bulldog goalkeeper Charlie Dow made an excellent save on the initial shot, but Lone Peak netted the rebound. 

“We put the game to bed five minutes later when Jack Oehlerich tapped home a lovely ball from Logan Bingham after an impressive display of skill and heart to out dribble several defensive players on the endline and find the feet of Jack O in front of the goal,” Sawtelle said.  

He added that the team is thrilled to have earned the right to play another 80 minutes next week against Stevensville.  

“Now, it's time to regroup and focus all of our energy on the next 80,” he said. “Let's go Dawgs!”  

The Bulldogs go on the road again to face Stevensville on Saturday, Oct. 26. Columbia Falls will play Billings Central in Billings on Saturday.  

Whitefish v Lone Peak  

Fouls: Whitefish 6, Lone Peak 8. Cards: Whitefish McPherson Y, Jonson Y, Lone Peak Dudley R. Shots: Whitefish 19, Lone Peak 5. Corners: Whitefish 6, Lone Peak 2.