Last-minute goal downs Bulldogs

Whitefish controlled the pitch for the first 65 minutes of their conference match against Polson on Saturday — hardly allowing the Pirates a solid chance on goal — but two small mental collapses in the final minutes proved to be deadly.

After Whitefish gave up the equalizer in the 66th minute, Polson's Riley Lemm booted the go-ahead goal in the 80th minute. The Bulldogs had a clean opportunity to even it up on a set play in the waning seconds, but the ball slipped past the face of the net untouched.

Whitefish coach O'Brien Byrd noted that the loss would be absolutely heartbreaking if it came during a single-elimination playoff game. However, the season is still young, and the tough defeat could prove to be a character-defining element to build on.

"If it were a must-win game, it would be devastating," Byrd said. "But it's not. Three teams qualify for the playoffs, and we have to get into that picture. Then anybody can win it."

Byrd saw more positives from the game against Polson than he has all season.

"We saw so much improvement, more than from any games this season," Byrd said. "Up and down the pitch, from the goalie to the front line, we were strong."

The Bulldogs had the Pirates earmarked as one of their toughest opponents, Byrd said, but Whitefish controlled the tempo throughout.

"We were the better team," Byrd said. "We just let down on defense for a couple of seconds on a throw in and a corner kick. It makes you want to tear your hair out. But we have to be positive and build off that game. If we can, we're in really good shape."

The defensive unit made significant strides in shape and formation, and looked as solid as they have all season.

"We were super tight back there," Byrd said. "With that personnel, we're looking sharp and stout."

The defensive unit includes Joe Perry, Taylor Thompson, Jonathan Reimer and Sean Janni.

"I'm really proud of their performance," Byrd said. "We have a good foundation for defense, now we have to work on finishing."

The 'Dogs put a number of strikes on goal that sailed just wide of a post or over the crossbar. If any one of those hits the net, it's a different game, Byrd said.

"We need to work on putting some opportunities on goals away," Byrd said. "We had a ton of missed chances."

The 'Dogs travel to Libby on Saturday, where they face a strong Loggers team in a conference showdown that could prove decisive come playoff time.

"We're going into the lion's den up there," Byrd said. "We've had some epic battles with them. Right now, we're not worried about getting the second or third seed — we're gunning for the No. 1 spot. The playoff picture is still wide open."