Libby soccer looks to overcome last-second losses
The Libby Loggers boys soccer team has endured enough late-game letdowns to fill a season. The problem is, they have only played two games.
After dropping their season opener 4-3 against Hamilton, the Loggers fell 2-1 in Whitefish on Tuesday, again allowing a deciding last-second goal.
“It was a situation coaching mistake,” Libby Coach Charlie Webster said. “The boys played great. It’s all on me.”
Webster said his team conceeded with 21 seconds remaining against Whitefish. The deciding goal in Hamilton came with 40 seconds left.
“In the last three games we have played in Whitefish, the combined score has been 18-1,” Webster said. “Considering that record, I was very happy with the outcome. That said, it always hurts to lose.”
The ending of the Whitefish game was marred by a red card on a Whitefish player for taunting after the deciding goal. Webster said he was proud of his players for maintaining their composure despite defeat and disrespect.
Webster mentioned junior Sage Friss for his outstanding play.
“He probably played his best game as a varsity soccer player,” Webster said.
Looking forward, Webster said he plans to unveil a new defensive strategy during his team’s weekend home games in Troy and Libby.
Libby 1 0 — 1
Whitefish 1 1 — 1
L — Chance Moody 7’
W — Shanoah Montano 15’
W — Casey Ling 80’
Shots on goal — Libby 4, Whitefish 12. Saves — Libby 10 (Jacob Wood), Whitefish 3 (Sam Benkelman). Corner kicks — Libby 4, Whitefish 4. Fouls — Whitefish 7, Libby 0. Red cards — Whitefish, 1.
Whitefish 6, Libby 0
The Libby Lady Loggers soccer team had their hands full Tuesday in Whitefish. Senior Haley Nicholson recorded four goals in her first game as a striker.
Despite their best efforts, Libby could not record a shot against a stingy Whitefish defense.
Libby 0 0 — 0
Whitefish 5 1 — 6
W — Haley Nicholson (Grace Kurtz) 7’
W — Jess Baldonado, (Kurtz) 12’
W — Nicholson (Kurtz) 15’
W — Boldonado 18’
W— Nicholson (Julia Houston) 29’
W — Nicholson (Kurtz) 74’
Shots on goal — Libby 0, Whitefish 26. Corner kicks — Whitefish 7, Libby 1, Saves — Libby 6 saves (Shannon Reny, Abby Ennenga), Whitefish 0 (Kess Nelson). Fouls — Libby 6, Whitefish 8. Cards — None.