Polson boys soccer shows potential on the pitch

The Polson boys soccer team made the postseason last season, and while they come into the 2024 season with just two seniors, there is plenty of potential on the roster.

“I was really proud of how our team finished out the season,” Polson Head Coach Josie Lies said. “It is always a disappointment to end your season in the first round of playoffs, but watching Billings Central go on to win made us feel better about our game with them.  It was a great season for our seniors, who we will miss this season.”

The seniors this year are Ted Mausshardt and Lucian Sawyer. Lies said they are going to be great leaders for the team.

“I expect to see lots of goals out of Ted and Lucian as well,” Lies said. “We also have a good amount of juniors, so I am excited to see them step into more of a leadership role.”

There will be four freshmen joining the roster this year, including Roman Sawyer, who will be an integral part of our midfield.

“We look forward to seeing him grow in his role,” Lies said. “Our team has a lot of potential this year. I hope to see the boys really come together and compete at a high level. Each year, I feel the continuity is growing, which helps the program get stronger as well.” 

Lies said the main goal for the Pirates this year is to get the ball in the back of the net more.

“We really have a powerhouse midfield that should be able to move the ball into that attacking third more often,” Lies said. “Ruger Ellis is holding down the defense as center back and is a great leader back there as well.”

Polson moved to the South A Conference this year. While that will be a big change for both players and fans, the Pirates are looking forward to it.

“I think the south is going to be a fairly strong conference,” Lies said. “With that being said, we hope to be in the top of that conference come the end of season. Stevi is looking really strong early, as well as Hamilton, so there should be some great battles ahead.”