The Stevensville Yellowjackets battled back, but the Whitefish Bulldogs emerged victorious last week in their home opener by a score of 5-4. The fans at Smith Fields were treated to a physical game of soccer on a beautiful fall day. 

“Overall, I am proud of the competitive spirit of our boys and their eagerness to compete in these very physical and close matches,” Coach Eric Sawtelle said. “It was a strong group effort against a very good team.” 

Bulldog midfielder Kyler Jonson scored in the second minute off a quickly taken corner kick by senior Griffin Gunlikson. 

Minutes later, Logan Bingham sent a nice through ball to forward Preston McPherson who scored the second goal of the game. 

“Logan put in another impressive performance running the center of the pitch box to box,” Sawtelle said. “It was also great to have Preston back. He is a big presence up front and added a direct threat going forward all game.” 

At halftime, Whitefish was ahead, 2-1. 

Each team scored three times in the second half. McPherson scored again after receiving the ball from a smartly taken free kick by junior Jack Oehlerich. Shortly thereafter, McPherson returned the favor by sending a cross in to Oehlerich who popped it into the goal. 

The final Bulldog goal began with junior forward Henry Barbieri pressing hard, winning the ball and finding Elijah Adams-Griffin open for the finish. 

“Both of our outside backs, Justis Arterbury and Jack Grant, worked extremely hard all game and were up to any of their 1 v 1 challenges,” Sawtelle said. “Gavin Sibson and Rowen Perkins are continuing to build a strong partnership and presence in the middle of our defense.” 

The coach gave props to the team’s center midfielders, juniors Jonson and Bingham, saying they work together well and they exhibit a good balance between defensive cover and offensive creativity. 

"Our outside midfielders, Griffin Gunlikson and Elijah-Adams Griffin, were very effective on the wings -- they both worked tirelessly offensively and defensively,” Sawtelle continued. “All the boys that came in off the bench worked hard and contributed. 

“Credit to Stevensville for not giving up and making it a tight finish,” Sawtelle said. “Each game, we are learning important lessons.” 

The boys travel to Libby on Saturday, Sept. 14.

    Bulldog captain, Preston McPherson, splits two defenders while heading up field Whitefish's first home game last week. (Julie Engler/Whitefish Pilot)
  

    Whitefish goalkeeper Charlie Dow throws the ball during the first half of the Stevensville game last week. (Julie Engler/Whitefish Pilot)
  

    Jack Oehlerich chases down an opponent at the Bulldog's first home game last week. (Julie Engler/Whitefish Pilot)