The Whitefish boys soccer team edged rival Columbia Falls 2-0 on Thursday at Flip Darling Memorial Field. 

Head Coach Eric Sawtelle was happy with the team’s collective spirit and effort against the Wildcats on a windy evening. 

The Bulldogs spent the first 15 minutes of the match finding their rhythm, having a hard time connecting passes and retaining possession, but they grew into the game and quickly generated good opportunities. 

Kyler Jonson and Jack Oehlerich both had good looks at the net, and Heitz, the Wildcat goalkeeper made a couple of good saves.   

Sophomore Grayson Rembaugh broke the deadlock with a well-timed run and a calmly placed finish off a ball played through by Jonson.   

“We held on to our lead for the remainder of the half with Ben Nelson making a couple of good saves and our defense holding strong,” Sawtelle said. “Quinn Powers and Will Dohmen played very well at center back and seniors Gavin Sibson and Owen Erickson were imperious on the wings.” 

The Bulldogs had the wind on their side in the second half and started off strong. Jonson scored the team’s second goal in the 42nd minute after dribbling into the box, recovering from a foul and, amidst a cluster of defenders, putting the ball in the net.   

“We continued to pressure and generate good opportunities with strong efforts from our midfield and runs down the wings from Oehlerich and Rembaugh,” Sawtelle said. “Wyatt Carlson did a great job in the defensive center mid role and Judah Colt ran tirelessly with excellent vision for finding a pass along with tenacious defense duties.” 

The coach said all the players contributed positively and it was a good and gritty collective performance, which is just what is needed to leave Columbia Falls with a win and a clean sheet.   

It was a battle on the girls side as well, as is typical when Whitefish meets Columbia Falls. This round, the Wildkats came out on top 3-1. 

The Lady Bulldogs had a strong start and were able to hold possession and create opportunities. Columbia Falls scored in the 30th minute on a penalty kick, putting them up 1-0 at halftime. 

“We kept pressing with great intensity, which paid off,” Head Coach Kelly Ordway said. “Hayley Reardon stole possession from their defensive build out and took a quick shot for the goal.” 

The game remained tied until the 68th minute when Wildkat Taylor Rodger scored, followed quickly by another from Evie Dorr. 

“Lots of great learning to take away from our first real challenge,” Ordway said. “We look forward to a rematch at our pitch next month.” 

THE BULLDOGS played at home Saturday against Hamilton and won 7-3. Oehlerich earned a four-score haul. Henry Barbieri, Carlson and Rembaugh rounded out the scoring. 

Sawtelle said the boys did a nice job in possession and creating chances.   

“This team is starting to realize they are capable of accomplishing a lot this year,” he added. “We still need to work on our conversion rate and defensive lapses that have led to unnecessary goals.” 

Sawtelle said he is happy with where the team is this early in the season.  

“We have strength in depth and once again all of the boys contributed positively and showed they have high expectations for our collective effort,” he added. 

The girls play East Helena at home on Tuesday, Sept. 9, at 4 p.m. Both the Whitefish teams play at home against Bigfork on Thursday, Sept. 11. The girls game begins at 4 p.m. and boys play at 6 p.m. The teams travel to Libby on Saturday, Sept. 13. 

      

    Sage Ordway jumps for a header when Whitefish met Columbia Falls last week. (Seth Anderson photo)