With a match under their belt, the Flathead Braves and Bravettes can look ahead to better results this soccer season.

The boys started with an 8-0 loss to Missoula Hellgate Friday; the girls lost to the State AA power 9-1 on Tuesday. 

“I think we have a lot of growing we need to do, but I think it’s doable,” Zach Brenneman, in his third season coaching the Bravettes after four leading the Flathead boys, said after the loss. “We definitely can complete at the highest level.” 

Thirteen of last year’s players graduated, including six starters, but there are some talented Bravettes on the pitch. 

The list includes junior attacker Avi Schmautz, junior Alivia Rinehart, center-midfielders Gislason and Ali Putzler, defender Elana Stern and wing Azalea Bailey. 

Rinehart is a track standout who played defense last season.  

“She’s fast, so we’re trying to figure out where her speed is going to benefit us the most,” Brenneman said. “We’re excited what she can do.” 

“We are defeinitely a fresher group. We’re filling in a lot of pieces.” 

For the boys, Trace Lenz — one of eight seniors on this year’s roster — had three goals last fall. Kutter Ward is another senior who saw ample time last fall, when Flathead won one league match, and Ezias Bailey and Max Bonnett found the net once last fall. 

“I think everybody’s buying into the team effort,” coach Alejandro Calderon said last week. “Everybody right now is really to play for each other. I think we’re in a good place. I think we’re ready for the season.” 

Calderon noted 33 boys came out.

“We’re building a program and it takes time, but I think we’ll see results of that starting this year,” he said.