Libby boys soccer seeks second straight playoff berth

The Libby Loggers boys soccer team heads into the 2025 season with confidence and a clear goal—make the playoffs once again.

“For the 2025 Class A boys soccer season, the Libby Loggers expect to play our best soccer at the right time—playoffs,” said co-coach Steve Morris. “Last year, for the first time in nine seasons, the Loggers placed third in the traditional powerhouse Northern Conference and earned a first-round playoff match. To return to playoff form, the Loggers understand there can be no playoffs with off days. Daily, against the spectacular backdrop of the Cabinet mountains, you can find the Loggers earning their boots.”

That renewed culture has carried into the summer and fall. Head coach Joe Martineau said excitement and turnout are on the rise.

“After the successes of last season, the law of magnetism is at work on the pitch for the Logger Boys Soccer squad,” Martineau said. “This year, I am thrilled to see 17 student-athletes proudly wearing the blue and gold. With a 90 percent return rate from last year’s squad, the Loggers are represented by each high school grade. Additionally, for the fourth year in a row, the Loggers' menu has some international flavor with a Brazilian foreign-exchange student joining the fray.”

The Loggers believe the blend of experienced returners and new energy will be their calling card.

“The combination of veteran leadership and youthful energy presents an exciting combo for this year’s Logger squad,” Morris said. “Three seniors from last year’s playoff run—including two All-Conference awardees—represent an unwavering high standard of excellence for the rest of the squad to follow. Complementing the ‘old timers’ is an exciting group of juniors and sophomores who played together weekly throughout the summer. Lastly, four freshmen have injected a youthful spark and represent the continuation of a healthy and fruitful athletic experience for those committing themselves to Logger Soccer.”

Libby knows the road to success won’t be easy. The Northern Conference is among the toughest in Montana soccer, with perennial powers Whitefish and Columbia Falls setting the standard.

“As usual, the Class A Northern Conference will be hyper competitive both in the conference and at the state level,” Martineau said. “Whitefish and Columbia Falls are always in top form, and their spirited play is the tide that raises the entire conference to a higher level. After their initial session in 2024, the energetic and well-coached Thompson Falls squad returns to the mix alongside perennial contender Bigfork. Notably, Logger Soccer joins the entire conference in welcoming newcomer Browning, and we wish them an exciting inaugural season.”

While the team deliberately avoids singling out individuals, Morris and Martineau emphasized the program’s philosophy.

“Deliberately, we have omitted individuals to highlight our philosophy that the team is the star,” Morris said.

With momentum from last season and a community eager to rally behind the squad, the coaches said the Loggers are ready to take another step forward.

“We’re excited to see the community join us in celebrating the upcoming season,” Martineau said.

Libby heads to Frenchtown Friday.  The boys play at 2 p.m. followed by the girls.