Loggers bow to Locomotives, next face the Pirates at home

Mired in sloppy conditions and down three players, including a key goal scorer, due to injuries sustained the day before, the Libby Loggers boys’ soccer team fell 2-0 to the Laurel Locomotives on Saturday.

Laurel staked a 1-0 lead just before the referee’s halftime whistle on an unusual play that culminated in Laurel’s Forrest Crowl tapping home a resting ball in front of an empty net. After a conference between the head referee and the assistant, the goal was upheld. As is usually the case, vehement protest from the opposing side went for naught.

“To their credit they issued no cards,” Libby Coach Charlie Webster said about his animated disdain.

The Loggers created scoring chances, recording eight shots on goal to Laurel’s nine, but were unable to capitalize in the box. The Locomotives recorded their second tally in the 70th minute when Keegan Reilly struck a low, driven ball that speedily skidded along the wet surface.

The win was Laurel’s first, improving to 1-5.

Libby is now 0-3-1, 0-1-1 in conference. Their next game is at 3:30 p.m. Thursday at home against Polson. The girls will follow at 5:30 p.m. Both teams travel to Stevensville on Saturday for afternoon affairs.