After close defeats, Libby boys earn season's first soccer win

The Libby Loggers soccer team lost 2-1 to Billings Central at home Saturday. As they have in each of their four games this season, the Loggers (0-1, 1-3) claimed a 1-0 lead in the 28th minute when Colin Maloney scored on a long strike assisted by Cody Wood.

Billings Central tied the game early in the second half when a corner kick found a Libby defender’s hand in the goal box, earning the away team a penalty kick. Billings Central converted the chance, tying the game 1-1.

Libby Coach Charlie Webster said his team appeared rattled after the mishap, and five minutes later the Loggers were behind when a Rams strike hammered off the crossbar and down into the Libby net.

Webster said he is not concerned about his team’s record, noting that his team has been competitive in every match.

“All three of our losses have been by one goal,” Webster said. “Hopefully a little more of the luck starts to come our way as we start a heavy slate of conference games next week.”

Libby travels Thursday to conference foe Columbia Falls for a 2 p.m. kick. Whitefish visits Saturday at noon.

Libby 2, Laurel 0

Hosting the Locomotives in Troy, the Loggers earned their first win of the season. Libby tallied their first score in the 27th minute when Cody Wood converted an unassisted attempt. With only 15 players dressed, the Libby defense controlled the pace. Coach Webster praised Collin Johnson, Isaiah Sickler, Tyler Lucas and Colin Maloney for their effective play on the back line.

The Loggers put the game away in the 61st minute when Walter Briones, an Ecuadorian foreign exchange student, scored on an assist from Wood. Libby’s aggressive defense prevented Laurel’s attempts at a late-game rally.

GIRLS

Billings Central 4, Libby 0

The Libby Lady Loggers had their chances, but could not bring down the Billings Central Rams. At home on Saturday, the Lady Loggers (0-4) faced a powerhouse coming off a rare draw. The Rams had a 45-game winning streak interrupted by a draw with Columbia Falls in their previous game, and demonstrated the focus and execution required for such a successful run.

The Rams scored in the 16th, 18th and 37th minutes in the first half and added a fourth goal two minutes into the second half. The Loggers recorded three shots on goal and keeper Abby Ennenga saved nine attempts.

Laurel 5, Libby 1

A pair of long-legged sisters led the Laurel Locomotives past the Libby Lady Loggers. Hosting Laurel in Troy, the Loggers surrendered four first-half goals to sisters Jessica and Kyra Elmer.

Libby got on the board when senior Shyla Stevenson banged home a second half chance.

Ennenga was outstanding in net for Libby, saving 17 shots.