Kats struggle to find the back of the net

Over the past two games, the Columbia Falls girls soccer team has had 40 shots on goal. Not one of them went in. As a result the Wildkats tied Bigfork 0-0 at home Oct. 2 and Libby 0-0 away Oct. 4.

The Kats’ offense had plenty of good looks. The shots were either right at the goalie and were stopped or off by just a hair to the left or right.

On the plus side, the Kats’ defense has played stellar, allowing just three shots from Libby and five from Bigfork. Keeper Allyson Gimbel has also been solid in front of the net, turning away what shots come her way.

“We need to finish,” said coach Greg Trenerry. “Give Libby and Bigfork credit. They played hard.”

Trenerry said the team might make some minor adjustments to its offense, but nothing major at this point in the season.

The Kats are now 4-0-2 in conference and 5-1-5 overall. They wrap up the regular season with an away game against Polson and a home game against Whitefish Saturday. The Whitefish game starts at 2 p.m.

Wins against both squads would secure a conference title. Even a pair of ties would mean a title, as Whitefish is 3-2 in conference play heading into this week. The Kats beat the Lady Bulldogs earlier this year, and Whitefish has another conference loss. In junior varsity action, the Kats beat the Lady Bulldogs 5-4 on Oct. 3.

Col. Falls 0 0 – 0

Libby 0 0 – 0

Shots on goal – Columbia Falls 17, Libby 3. Saves – Columbia Falls 3 (Allyson Gimble), Libby 17 (Shannon Reny). Corner kicks – Columbia Falls 10, Libby 0. Total fouls – n/a. Cards – none.

Bigfork 0 0 – 0

Col. Falls 0 0 – 0

Shots on goal – Bigfork 5, Col. Falls 23. Saves – Bigfork 15 (Celeste Rehbein), Col. Falls 2 (Allyson Gimbel). Corner kicks – Bigfork 3, Col. Falls 5.