Whitefish boys claim title, get perfect season

The Daily Inter Lake

HAMILTON - Alex Konopatzke's goal just over a minute into play in the first of two 10-minute overtime periods Saturday lifted Whitefish to a 1-0 victory over Hamilton for the Class A boys state soccer championship.

The victory capped a perfect season for Whitefish, which finished 15-0.

"It's been a special season," said a pleased O'Brien Bryd afterwards.

"No coach can possibly have a perfect season as their goal, but it worked out this year. Give full credit to the boys. The team chemistry was incredible. The boys trusted each other, counted on each other."

Konopatzke's shot was a rocket from 35-yards out. Hamilton's keeper got his hands on the ball, but still couldn't stop the score.

"No one expected it," said Byrd.

"Not too many people score from that distance."

Whitefish, for the first time all season, did not score a goal in regulation. Defensively, it was the team's sixth shutout in 2006.

Last week Whitefish trailed for the first time, but rallied for a 6-2 overtime win over Corvallis.

"It was good to see the kids handle that adversity that well," said Byrd.

"They never showed fear in their eyes. They always kept plugging away knowing it would come (out positive). I'm so proud we were able to do it in the fashion we did today. Our backs were to the wall. All the pressure was on us, not Hamilton. A lot of teams buckle in that kind of environment."

It was the second state championship for the Bulldogs, who also went 15-0 in 2002.

"Give credit to Hamilton," Byrd said.

"They played us straight up, played to attack us not to counterattack. That's not how most teams have played us."

Byrd said the Bulldogs had a goal called back, a diving header by Preston Taylor 10 minutes into play, because of an offsides.

Whitefish outshot Hamilton, 16-9, and led in corner kicks, 7-4.

Whitefish 0 0 1 0 - 1

Hamilton 0 0 0 0 - 0

Whitefish - Alex Konopatzke (Jonas Magstadt), 81:12

Shots on goal - Whitefish 16, Hamilton 9

Corner kicks - Whitefish 7, Hamilton 4

Goalie saves - Whitefish 14 (David Hobbs 6, Shane Dowaliby 8), Hamilton 13 (Brian Sheahan)

Fouls - Whitefish 15, Hamilton 10

Cards - Hamilton, yellow