Perfect season for Bravettes
Undefeated, baby.
So went the cry as the Bravettes soccer team beat Big Sky 3-1 Saturday at Kidsport. Flathead made a habit of excellence this season and finished with a perfect 12-0 record and outscored opposing teams 48-4.
The Bravettes got on the board early with a solo shot by Samantha Riebe, who fired the ball from the top of the box past Big Sky goalie Erika Scofield.
Flathead committed two quick fouls after the goal. The second foul gave Big Sky a direct kick that sailed just over the goal post and a leaping Alyssa Younkin, the Flathead keeper.
The Bravettes scored again at the 26-minute mark. Sophomore Meghan O'Connell rushed the ball toward the goal and nearly ran over Scofield, who ran out to stop her. O'Connell leaped over the diving goalie, but Scofield reflected the ball straight to a waiting Jelisa Guy. Guy hit a low shot into the net to put the Bravettes up 2-0.
Throughout the first half, the Eagles were able to make offensive runs and kick more shots on goal than Flathead is used to. But Big Sky had trouble will ball control and couldn't string together quality passes.
Defense was tight on both ends of the field, and play became extremely physical, especially by Big Sky. Some of the Missoula defenders were even throwing elbows.
"They were a physical team and knocked us around," Bravettes coach Scott Warnell said.
The rough play interferred with Flathead's finesse approach, and the Bravettes had trouble finding an offensive rhythm. The girls were also quieter than usual, with little coordinating talk happening on offense.
But nine minutes into the second half, Guy sent a perfect touch pass from the center of the goal box to Brett Asa, who knocked the shot into the left side of the goal. Big Sky held the Bravettes scoreless for the rest of the game.
Missoula's lone goal came at 63 minutes, when forward Ali Dombrouski scored on a well-placed direct kick.
Saturday's contest was also the last home game for Flathead's seniors, who were honored with a ceremony before the game.
"It's sad, definitely," Corpron said. "I can't believe it went so quickly."
Most of the girls have been playing together for the past eight years and have developed a dangerous on-field chemistry.
The bond gives the team a winning swagger as it heads to the state tournament in Helena, which begins Oct. 27. Corpron said she feels good about her team's chances for a title.
"There's some pressure going as first place and undefeated," she said. "But we also have a lot of confidence."
Warnell said the girls will scrimmage against the JV boys next week. The speed of the boys team will be good preparation for state.
Flathead will likely face Great Falls CMR or Billings West for its first game at state. Standing in the way of a state title is the Bozeman team, who is also undefeated.
BRAVETTES 3, EAGLES 1
Big Sky 0 1 - 1
Flathead 2 1 - 3
Big Sky - 63:00 Ali Dombrouski direct kick
Flathead - 4:15 Samantha Riebe, 26:30 Jelisa Guy, 49:13 Brett Asa (Guy)
Shots on goal - Big Sky 10, Flathead 30
Goal saves - Big Sky 18, Flathead 9
Corner kicks - Big Sky 3, Flathead 3
Fouls - Big Sky 5, Flathead 5
Cards - Big Sky 1 yellow