Boys secure playoff spot; girl soccer team waits for the nod
The playoff picture became very clear for the boys soccer team as the Loggers notched a 3-0 win over the Polson Pirates. Libby is third in conference and will play second place Bigfork 4:30 p.m. Tuesday on the road for a play-in game.
It was Senior Night for Libby, and senior midfielder Juan “in a million” Rios punched in his first-ever goal on his last home game in a Logger uniform.
“I’m feeling fantastic,” Rios grinned. “Our goal was to make it to playoffs and now we’re going to go to state.”
It was a bizarre game, as in the second minute, freshman forward Johnny Davidson was driving to the goal when he collided with the Polson goalie and midfielder Steven Walk.
Davidson and the goalie continued to follow the play, but Walk was writhing on the ground in agony. He had a fracture in his leg. Libby Volunteer Ambulance was called, and he was taken to the hospital.
Later, junior midfielder Jason Schnackenberg took a hard header of the top of his skull. He immediately collapsed to the ground.
It was so sudden that some spectators thought he was goofing around. A disoriented Schnackenberg awoke after a few seconds and was helped off the field.
Freak accidents aside, Libby will continue its season against Bigfork. The time is subject to change.
The girls had a spate of bad luck, tying Polson 0-0 and putting their destiny in the hands of rival Columbia Falls.
While clearly the dominant team for the full game, the Lady Loggers couldn’t sneak the ball past Polson keeper Keely Clairmont.
“I’m beginning to think this field is cursed,” Cik said. “The shots just wouldn’t fall for us today.”
With several shots on goal in quick succession in the first half, it appeared to be only a matter of time. Senior striker Sarah Nash bounced a powerful shot off the crossbar in the 28th minute. An inch lower would have put the Lady Loggers on top.
If Columbia Falls beats Polson, Libby gets to face them in a play-in game. If the Wildkats fail, the Lady Pirates will head to playoffs.