Boys Soccer: Loggers shutout Columbia Falls, 6-0

Despite a loss last weekend to Whitefish, the Libby High School boys soccer team controls its own destiny in a drive for the conference title.

Following a 6-0 victory over Columbia Falls on Tuesday, the Loggers can claim the Northern A title with wins in their final three games. That would include an Oct. 10 win over Whitefish in the return game at Libby.

“If we win them all, we’ll have home-field advantage through the playoffs,” LHS coach Charlie Webster said.

Whitefish currently leads the conference but does have one blemish on its record – a tie against Polson. The tie could come back to haunt the Bulldogs if they fall to Libby.

On the field against Columbia Falls, Libby had no problems improving to 4-1 in the region in a shutout performance. Crawford Dinning and Nick Reny each scored a pair of goals.

“Columbia Falls is in a rebuilding year. They’ve won two state championships but they’re having a tough season,” Webster said.

Libby led 2-0 at halftime after Dinning scored in the fifth minute on an assist from Cree Maloney and Reny scored on a penalty kick in the 40th minute.

Webster said the Loggers attacked well but had problems finishing over much of the first half. He also mentioned the outstanding play of players off the bench over the final 20 minutes of the game.

Reny scored four minutes into the second half for a 3-0 Logger lead. Elias Lapka was credited with the assist. Dinning followed six minutes later with his second goal with another assist to Maloney.

Libby’s Patrick Valentine and James Hare scored their first goals of the season. Valentine found the net with an assist to Reny in the 58th minute. Hare scored with an assist to Andrew Peterson in the 69th minute.

Libby allowed only two shots on goal for the game. Lewis Brossman played the first 60 minutes in goal with David Brooks going the final 20.

Libby equaled its regular-season win total from last season with its seventh victory. The Loggers will go for number eight on Saturday at home against Bigfork. The boys are scheduled for a 1 p.m. start.