Billings West rallies to eliminate Glacier boys soccer

BILLINGS — Things were looking good for the Glacier boys, until they weren't.

Brecken Evenson scored a hat trick, but Billings West rallied from 4-1 down at the half to defeat Glacier 5-4 in a Class AA soccer semifinal Saturday at Daylis Stadium. 

The Golden Bears took the lead in the opening minutes thanks to a set-piece goal. 

Glacier then seized momentum with four goals over an 11-minute stretch to take what seemed like first control of the match. 

Kyler Hardman joined Evenson on the scoresheet, while Isaac Weaks, Madrid Stephan and Tucker Lake added assists for the Wolfpack (11-4-1). 

In the second half, West rebounded with momentum. 

The Golden Bears capitalized on three corners and scored four goals in the final 40 minutes. 

West advances to play Missoula Sentinel Tuesday in a semifinal showdown. 

Also playing in Billings were the Glacier girls, who fell behind 3-0 in the opening half and lost 4-1 to close out a 10-5-1 season. 

Evee Gross started the scoring for the Broncs nine minutes into the game. 

Not long after Meadow Mahlmeister scored her 32nd goal of the season to double the advantage. 

Portia Hammer scored the lone goal of the game for Glacier in the 74th minute. 

Aerin Todd made eight saves for Glacier, who was outshot 14-7. 

Full stats for the games were not available by press time.