Polson FC enjoys successful weekend
POLSON — Many players from the Polson boys soccer team got a chance for revenge last Saturday at the Kerr Dam Fields.
POLSON — Many players from the Polson boys soccer team got a chance for revenge last Saturday at the Kerr Dam Fields.
Polson finished second in the state this year during the fall season, falling to Whitefish in the state championship game. Those Polson soccer players who comprised the bulk of the Polson FC U18 boys squad had an opportunity to show their worth against the Flathead Force, which was a made up of namely Whitefish players.
Polson didn’t back down, nor were they imtimidated as they came away with a 3-3 tie. In their first weekend of action, the U18 boys also played and defeated a co-ed F.C. Missoula squad 8-1 on Saturday Morning.
U13 Boys
The Polson FC U13 Boys had an undefeated weekend out on the pitch, showcasing both impressive offense and defense. The boys found the back of the net numerous times in their 4-2 win over Missoula FC. Polson FC’s defense was stubborn in its game against Stevensville, which they won 2-0.
“They played well and are starting to look like a team, working together well on the pitch,” Coach Mike Moll said.
U13 GIRLS
The U13 girls Polson FC soccer team played its season opener in Corvallis last Saturday against the U14 FC Missoula team, winning 6-2.
Polson was tied 1-1 with Missoula in the first half before FC was able to add two additional goals before halftime. Missoula would score another goal early in the second but Polson answered with three more scores.
Polson goals against Missoula were scored by Hannah Kasnitz (2), Tiara Duford (2), Maddie Lichte (1) and Olivia Hewston (1). Second-year defenders Hannah Hobbs and Dayne Smith were joined by first-year defenders Tessa Nunlist and Sophia Sisler to play near-perfect defense covering second-year goalie Jenna Evertz. First-year goalie Celeste Rehbein finished the second half of the Missoula game with seven saves while allowing only one goal.
Polson fell 1-0 in its second game against Ravalli United SC U14 Select girls. Although it was very clear from the start that the Ravalli girls were much bigger and faster than Polson, it was also clear that Polson had come to play and was not intimidated.
“When some of the Ravalli players were driving their own cars to the game, we knew we were going to have an exciting game,” assistant coach Bruce Kasnitz said.
The only goal in the game came late in the second half on a rip up the middle by Ravalli. Maria Heutmaker and Litche played solid soccer throughout the game.
Polson’s defense and goalie Evertz did an exceptional job stopping the Ravalli attack.
“It was very clear midway the first half that we were outsized and outmatched,” coach Michael Hewston said. “The Ravalli girls were much more developed in their play. I think that is what made it such a great match, the girls could have laid down and got rolled over, but they played with them for 70 minutes, and they played well. They played good possession team soccer; and it was so very nice to see them compete at that level.”
The U13 Polson FC girls will be in Polson April 21 for matches at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. at Kerr Dam Field against two tough Missoula Strikers teams.
U12 BOYS
Polson FC played a tough Missoula Strikers team in a friendly match on Saturday in their lone home game of the season.
“It was the same team that we played twice in Stevensville two weeks ago,” coach Link Moderie said. “We were defeated again, but we’re showing improvement with every game we play and the boys are having fun. That is what is important.”
Polson FC lost to the Strikers 8-1, with their one goal being scored by Mack Moderie off a beautiful pass from Robin Erickson.
“The keeper was able to get a hand on it but the ball still found the back of the net,” Moderie said.
The U12 boys’ official season opener will be in Helena, April 28. They’ll face Glacier United and Electric City Soccer Club (Great Falls).
Editor’s note: All these results were reported by Polson FC volunteer coaches and the Leader is thankful for their efforts in helping with the coverage.