by Scott Sacry
The Class A state soccer tournament started last week with first round games on Tuesday, Oct. 13, followed by quarterfinal games on Saturday, Oct. 17. Each of the three Bitterroot Valley high school soccer programs – Corvallis, Stevensville, and Hamilton – had teams competing in the state tournament. Unfortunately, none of the Bitterroot Valley teams made it past the quarterfinals into the semifinals. The following is a recap.
Hamilton girls fall short against Columbia Falls
The Hamilton girls, the #1 seed from the Southern Division, hosted Columbia Falls, the #2 seed from the Northern Division, on Saturday, Oct. 17, in the quarterfinal round.
Although they were the #2 seed from the Northern Division, Columbia Falls is one of the best teams in the state and is one of the favorites to win the state title this year. Against Columbia Falls, Hamilton had a hard time generating scoring chances and had their hands full stopping Columbia Falls’ offense. Hamilton lost 1-5.
Corvallis boys defeat Hamilton in first round
The Hamilton boys, the #2 seed in the Southern Division, hosted the Corvallis boys, the #3 seed in the Southern Division, in the first round of the Class A state tournament on Tuesday, Oct. 13.
The first half was even until Corvallis scored on a free kick during stoppage time and Corvallis led 1-0 at the half. In the second half, Corvallis scored two more goals to take a commanding 3-0 lead. Hamilton added a goal in the final minutes, but it was too little too late as Corvallis won 3-1. Corvallis’ win sent them to the state quarterfinals.
Corvallis boys lose to Livingston
With their win in the first round over Hamilton, the Corvallis boys hosted Livingston, the #2 seed out of the Eastern Division, on Saturday, Oct. 17. Corvallis fought hard, but gave up two first-half goals and one second-half goal and lost 0-3.
Stevensville girls defeat Polson in first round shootout
The Stevensville girls, the #3 seed in the Southern Division, played Polson, the #2 seed in the Southern Division, in the first round of the Class A girls soccer tournament on Tuesday, Oct. 13, in Polson.
The two teams were evenly matched. The score was tied 0-0 at the end of regulation and 0-0 at the end of two 10-minute overtime periods, so the game went to a penalty shootout.
In the penalty shootout, Stevensville won 3-1. For Stevensville, Madigan Hulbert, Deci Endres, and Natalya Chvilicek each scored a penalty shot. Defensively, Stevensville goalie Paisley Yaskus saved three of Polson’s four shots. Stevensville’s win sent them to the state quarterfinals.
Stevensville loses to Laurel
With their win in the first round over Polson, the Stevensville girls advanced to the quarterfinal round where they hosted Laurel, the #2 seed from the Eastern Division, on Saturday, Oct. 17.
The Laurel girls have one of the strongest girls soccer programs in the state every year, and this year was no exception. The Stevensville girls played a solid defensive game, but they couldn’t contain Laurel and lost 0-2.
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