Second at the Showcase

Polson FC 12U girls use passing to place second at the state

showcase in Helena

HELENA - Polson FC U12 girls competed in the Montana Youth Showcase Soccer Tournament this last weekend in Helena Montana, finishing with a second place state title.

In pool play, Polson first played Glacier United to a 5-3 victory. During the first five minutes of the game Glacier score two unanswered goals forcing Polson to play from behind.

It was a shocker but the girls held their composure in the early morning game. Once Polson regained their game focus, they challenged the Glacier team and later controlled the game and the outcome. Maddy Morgret scored a hat-trick consisting of three goals, Maddie Lichte scored one and Breyland McColl scored one.

In the second round of pool play Polson met Flathead Force. The Flathead Force team was considerably larger and more physical than the Polson Team throughout the match. Polson battled on using their point-to-point passing to get rid of the ball quickly and to one of their own players to overcome the overall physical disadvantage.

"Their passing skills, teamwork and understanding of the game at this age are phenomenal." coach Bruce Kasnitz said.

Maddy Morgret scored two and Maddie Lichte scored two. The "Dayne Smith and Alana Fox defense", lead by Jenna Evertz as goal keeper, held strong for the 4-2 victory.

"Jenna is and was absolutely amazing as keeper in this game, and the whole tournament," coach Michael Hewston said. "She started the year unsure of herself and came to

task for this team. If she continues to play as a goal keeper in the game you will hear a lot more about this

young lady."

At the end of pool play Polson was ranked first seed in

their bracket. In the semi-finals on Sunday morning

Polson played Helena Arsenal to a 3-2 win.

Maddie Lichte scored a hat-trick, with three goals for Polson. FC's midfield really controlled the game, led by Maria Heutmaker as center midfielder.

Maria was able to anticipate the game flow and feed the strikers the way they needed to be fed to get the scoring opportunities.

The mid-field group, consisting of Breyland McColl, Camas Renault, Hannah Kasnitz, Olivia Hewston and Maria Heutmaker really controlled the flow of the game. There was little to no drop in play between those who started and those who subbed. Olivia Hewston was able to shut down Helena's lead scorer, preventing her from scoring more than two goals.

"I was not sure who that girl was in the beginning but by half-time it was clear we needed to delay her, Olivia was able to do that, she pressured without stepping and was able to delay the shot until assistance from her team arrived," Hewston said.

Polson met Flathead Force again in the finals. Flathead was able to beat teams in the other bracket to get back into the finals.

Polson used their greatest asset available to them during the game: their point-to-point passing.

Flathead scored first during the first half and maintained that lead until Alana Fox came from a defensive position to score on an assist from Maria Heutmaker.

Alana Fox had an amazing game, both on defense and offense.

"She is like a pitbull in a little itty-bitty package," Hewston said.

The score was tied and remained tied at the end of regulation play. Then the game ended with a 4-1 loss in double overtime with Polson placing second in the tournament.

This is a very special team and it showed this season. Although players Hannah Hobbs and Hannah Madsen were unable to make the tournament, they were sorely missed and were key players on the team.

"The girls work amazing together as a team, gave it all at practices and games, and truly had fun this season playing the great sport of soccer. It was such a pleasure for Michael and I to be able to coach them," Kasnitz said.