Johnson's hat trick leads Dogs past Livingston
<p>Whitefish forward Jared Johnson scored a hat trick in Saturday's match against Park High of Livingston.</p>
Tactics and a soft touch trumped size and physicality Saturday as the Whitefish boys soccer team posted a 5-1 win over Park High of Livingston at home.
The non-conference victory was easily the most impressive for the Bulldogs this season. Whitefish (4-0) took advantage of Livingston’s missteps and made adjustments on the fly to counter their 3-4-3 attack.
Forward Jared Johnson recorded a hat trick in the outing, his second of the weekend. The junior scored twice in the first half and added his third in the 61st minute off an assist from Shanoah Montano.
Johnson says his prowess for finishing is a new discovery in his game.
“We’ve been training hard, and it’s just started to click on the runs I’m supposed to make,” he said after the game. “It all just worked out. The finishing is a new skill.”
Senior captain Nathan Boone put in a goal of his own and added a beautiful assist in the 76th minute when he passed up an easy shot attempt and crossed the ball to Ben Hirsch who put in a one-timer.
Boone said the team’s focus was the difference against a tough team like Livingston.
“We came out and played the best game we’ve had all season,” Boone said. “We were all focused, from the starters to the reserves.”
Boone praised Johnson for his finishing.
“We knew he had the hot foot, so we were just looking for him,” Boone said. “He came through clutch big time.”
The Dogs defensive unit of Jon Ditman, Walter Sobba, Cole Maxwell and keeper Sam Benkleman kept Livingston’s three-man attack in check for most of the game. Park High tallied their lone goal on a set play to cut into the lead early in the second half, but couldn’t carry the momentum.
The victory extends Whitefish’s winning streak dating back to 2011 to 31 games.
Earlier in the week, Whitefish crushed visiting Belgrade 7-1.
The Bulldogs next play at Columbia Falls in a conference match on Sept. 19 at 5:30 p.m.
Livingston 0 1 — 1
Whitefish 3 2 — 5
W - Jared Johnson (assist Nathan Boone), 8:00
W - Johnson (Shanoah Montano), 38:00
W - Boone (Montano), 40:00
L - Hayden Cody-Jensen (Daniel Newhouse), 56:00
W - Johnson (Montano), 61:00
W - Ben Hirsch (Boone), 76:00
Shots on goal - Livingston 10, Whitefish 27. Saves - Livingston 20 (Cyler Cain), Whitefish 11 (Sam Benkelman). Corner kicks - Livingston 4, Whitefish 5. Fouls - Livingston 6, Whitefish 14. Yellow cards - none. Red cards - none.