Boys soccer blanked by Bigfork, 3-0

Minutes on the field and match experience is what the young Columbia Falls boys soccer team needs early in the 2009 season as they seek to mature and sharpen individual skills.

The Wildcats opened the season Saturday with a 3-0 Northern A Conference loss to Bigfork at the Carlyle Johnson County Park complex in Bigfork.

Bigfork's Alec MacCallum was too much for the Wildcats to handle as the senior midfielder recorded a hat trick, scoring a goal in the first half and two more in the second 40 minutes.

In the 27th minute, MacCallum scored on an assist from Fabian Zavala. It was 1-0 at halftime.

"We gave up that first goal and it kind of took the wind out of our sails a little bit," C-Falls head coach Peter Browne said. "It (the ball) got on the foot of a Bigfork player (MacCallum) and he kicked it in."

MacCallum found the net again just past the midpoint of the second half, scoring unassisted. With just a few seconds left in the match, MacCallum blocked a clearing kick by the Wildcats, settling the ball and completing his hat trick.

"They kind of controlled the pace of the game. We lost a few marks in the middle (of the field)," said Browne, as the Wildcats were unable to properly cover MacCallum in particular. "He had too much time with the ball.

"We played frantic, inexperienced soccer," the coach added. "We didn't have one shot on goal. We need to compete harder. That's something they need to learn."

Browne had words of encouragement for first-year junior goalkeeper Jacob Calderwood, who had nine saves.

"He made a couple of little mistakes, but he showed great leadership," the coach said.

Browne also had praise for senior Leonard Nichol and sophomore Adam Richardson, who both played their first high school game for the Wildcats.

In his first start in goal, junior Nate Roberson got the shutout in the net.

Also during the opening weekend, Whitefish built a 6-0 halftime lead and blitzed Stevensville 9-0 Saturday. Travis Adams turned in a hat trick plus one, scoring four goals for the Bulldogs. Matt Danczyk also had a hat trick.

C-Falls hosts Park (Livingston) on Friday at 4 p.m. and Belgrade on Saturday at 2 p.m.

"We have to work on our shape (condition)," Browne said. "We weren't ready for a conference game (vs. Bigfork). We have to move on."