LHS soccer boys tie Whitefish on road

In less than two weeks, the Libby High School boys soccer team has rewritten the record book against rival Whitefish.

First, the Loggers downed the Bulldogs for the first time ever in a 4-3 victory at Logger Stadium on Sept. 25. And on Tuesday, the two schools tied – the first time the Loggers had never lost on Whitefish’s home field.

“In over 10 years of soccer played between the teams, the Loggers have only lost soccer games on the Bulldogs’ home field,” Libby coach Charlie Webster said.

Libby actually had to settle for the tie after taking a lead into the final moments. Whitefish’s Jack Steele scored in the 80th minute to complete a dramatic comeback.

The Loggers took a 1-0 lead in the final minute of the first half on an unassisted goal by Cree Maloney.

“The score could have easily been 2-0. Unfortunately, Libby could not find the back of the net on a penalty kick after a Whitefish player handed a ball to prevent a goal from scoring,” Webster said.

Libby had a man-advantage after Whitefish was tagged with a red car. And early in the second half, the Loggers scored on a combination play. Edson Vences got the goal with an assist to Maloney in the 48th minute.

Two minutes later, Whitefish got on the scoreboard when the Loggers were called for a handball inside the penalty box. Steele scored to get his team to within a goal of the lead.

The two teams then battled back and forth until Steele’s late-game heroics. Whitefish only had two shots on goal in the second half – scoring on both.

Libby (5-0-2, 9-1-2) will play for the conference crown on Saturday against Polson. The winner will snag the No. 1 seed out of the Northern A and play at home in the first round of state. The loser will play on the road in the first round at Hamilton – the No. 1 seed out of the Southern A. Whitefish (3-3-1, 5-5-2) will be the No. 3 seed.

The game is scheduled for a 1 p.m. start. Prior after the girls’ game and before the boys’ game, seniors will be recognized.

Libby 2, Whitefish 2

Tuesday at Whitefish

Scoring by Periods:

Libby          1    1—2

Whitefish    0    2—2

First Half–1, Libby, Maloney, 40th minute.

Second Half–2, Libby, E. Vences (Maloney), 48th minute. 3, Whitefish, Steele (PK), 50th minute. 4, Whitefish, Steele (Edland), 80th minute.

Shots on goal–Libby 9, Whitefish 4. Saves–Libby 2 (Brooks), Whitefish 12 (Ling). Corner kicks–Libby 5, Whitefish 5. Total fouls–Libby 17, Whitefish 12. Yellow cards–Whitefish. Red cards–Whitefish.