Bulldogs look to regroup
It's time for Whitefish's boys soccer team to step up and finally play to its potential. That's what coach O'Brien Byrd is pleading for after the 'Dogs let a 3-1 halftime lead slip away at Libby on Saturday.
The 4-3 loss was the third consecutive defeat for Whitefish and their second in the league, where they now sit alone in third place. They let a late lead slip away to Polson last week, losing in the final minute of play.
"We have to realize the skill and talent we have in order to succeed," Byrd said. "It's all there. The coaches see it every day in practice. But we have to play up to that potential on game days."
Two goals from senior Jack Steele and another from sophomore Curran Edland gave the 'Dogs a two-point advantage at halftime. Byrd, however, noted their first-half performance was shaky.
"We were leading at half, but we weren't playing all that great," Byrd said. "The time of possession was equal, and it was an even match. We just happened to score on our opportunities, including on a penalty kick."
"We were looking to organize ourselves and tighten up for the second half, and I thought we had sorted it out. But from the first whistle, Libby took it to us. We basically gave up with the lead in hand. We were satisfied to let them come at us for 40 minutes straight."
Libby rattled off three consecutive goals in the second period, including the game winner from Elias Lapka in the 75th minute. The Loggers outshot Whitefish 6-12 overall.
Byrd expects the 'Dogs will learn from the match and move forward before playoffs begin. With Columbia Falls out of the playoff picture and Whitefish holding a two-game lead over Bigfork, the 'Dogs are assured of a ticket to the playoffs. However, the No. 1 seed is unlikely.
"With a slim chance of winning the conference, that's no longer a major goal," Byrd said. "We just have to keep improving before the state quarter-finals."
The Montana Class A boys division is wide open, and Libby is emerging as the top threat in the state. The Loggers have topped both Whitefish and Bigfork and tied Polson 0-0.
"I hope our guys look at that and say, 'We could've beaten them,' and gain confidence that they can be the best in the state," Byrd said.
Whitefish 2 1 - 3
Libby 1 3 - 4
L - Cree Maloney (Edson Vences), 5:00
W - Jack Steele, 17:00
W - Curran Edland, 29:00
W - Steele, 35:00
L - Elias Lapka, 52:00
L - Crawford Dinning, 61:00
L - Lapka, 75:00
Shots on goal - Whitefish 6, Libby 12. Saves - Whitefish 8 (Thomas Clark), Libby 3 (David Brooks). Corner kicks - Whitefish 1, Libby 4. Total fouls - Whitefish 8, Libby 13. Yellow cards - Libby 1. Red cards - none.