Girls soccer looks to take its game to the next level

Columbia Falls girls soccer coach Thomas Clark expects his team to find themselves in the state semifinals again this season, if not more.

“I think this is a team that can compete to win the conference this year, and I know that’s a goal for the group,” he said.

Last year, the team was able to maintain a high level of possession and stay dangerous on the counter-offensive, and this year, Clark wants more of the same.

“But I would say, there’s an even higher level of technical execution and quality with this group, so we’re excited to kind of take our game to the next level,” he said.

Thirty-two Columbia Falls students will fill out the girls’ JV and varsity soccer teams.

On varsity, seven players have made the Montana Olympic Development Team, not including two returning all-state players, seniors Hope McAtee and Josie Harris. McAtee and Harris are expected to lead the charge on offense and score a lot of goals for the Wildcats.

Senior Kenzee West, who earned All-Conference honors last year, will join them as team captains. “Leadership components from them will be huge,” Clark said.

Four freshman players have also made varsity this year, and Clark expects them all to compete for playing time and contribute right away.

“Our whole program, we’re big proponents of the iron-sharpens-iron setup. When everybody’s competing for spots, it’s a really cool thing,” Clark said.

With a higher level of commitment from players, many of whom play year-round, talent and athletic ability have combined to form great soccer players on the Columbia Falls team, which Clark noted he is excited to see.

“At the end of the day, we’re going to try to play the game the right way and create a lot of chances,” Clark said.

The girls’ first match is on the road at East Helena on Friday, with their first home game at 4 p.m. Aug. 29 against Frenchtown.