Loggers redeem early-season loss
<p>Sophomore forward Johnny Davidson gets a celebratory hug from teammate Colin Maloney after scoring his second goal of the day vs. Bigfork Tuesday afternoon. (first half action) The Loggers went on to defeat the Vikings 2-0.</p>
In a rematch of an early season contest that ended in a 3-3 draw, the Loggers boys soccer team held their lead this time for an important conference win against Bigfork.
Quality soccer was played by both teams, punctuated by some poor play and mental mistakes. Jason Schnackenberg directed the attack for the Loggers. Johnny Davidson, out for three games because of an injury, returned to the field to score two goals for the Loggers on assists provided by Cody Wood and Colin Maloney.
The Logger defense held strong despite relentless pressure by the Vikings. Keeper Jacob Wood played very well and ended with 13 saves. A lapse in concentration allowed a Viking attacker open in the box on a crossed ball. The resulting header for a goal pulled Bigfork to within one. The first half ended 2-1.
The second half was a seesaw battle. Both sides’ efforts were rewarded with opportunities. There were moments of great play and occasional mistakes, none of which proved costly to either team. The final score of 2-1 vaulted the Loggers into second place in the conference with four conference games remaining.
Despite a losing record, things are looking up for the Loggers. The Loggers played a grueling first-half schedule, facing teams with a combined record of 20-1-2.
“The lessons from those losses will serve us well throughout the remainder of the year,” Coach Charlie Webster said.
The Loggers’ next match is a non-conference game on Monday at Bonners Ferry. The next home game is Thursday against conference leader Whitefish. Senior Day will be against Columbia Falls on Friday.
The Loggers record is 2-4-1 overall and 2-1-1 in conference play.
In other games:
STEVENSVILLE 3, LIBBY 0: At Stevensville, the Loggers went down on an early goal and conceded two more in the first half on Saturday. While the Loggers earned chances, including multiple close direct-kicks, they were unable to convert offensively.
LIBBY 2, POLSON 0: At Libby, the Loggers earned their first win of the season Thursday. Jason Schnackenberg scored in the third minute on an assist from Cody Wood. Justus Goldston added an insurance goal in the second half on another Wood assist.