Back to state for Braves

Flathead blanks Big Sky in playoff match

The Braves are thoroughly battle tested - and headed back to state.

The Flathead High School boys' soccer team edged Missoula Big Sky 2-0 Thursday in a Western AA playoff game at Kidsports Complex. The Braves clinched a berth in next week's Class AA state tournament in Helena, where they will compete for their third straight title.

Chresten Knaff and Chase Jordt scored unassisted late goals, breaking open a defensive struggle played in the bitter cold. Knaff struck from just outside the box in the 69th minute, and Jordt drilled the net six minutes later to cap a breakaway run.

The Braves (9-4), who placed third in conference, weren't surprised that the Eagles (1-11-1) fought them to the wire.

"A bunch of us came out the other day and watched them play Glacier, and we knew that playoff and tournament mode is pretty intense," Flathead stopper Chris Ruby said. "Playoffs bring out the best in people, and we just knew that it was going to be a battle and that we were going to have to keep playing our game."

The Braves defended brilliantly, holding the Eagles to seven shots on goal while firing 23 of their own. Big Sky managed just one shot in the second half.

Goalkeeper Jordan Vaughan directed Flathead's defense while making two saves. Sweeper Brendan Passmore kept the Braves organized, and outside backs Collin Hamman and Collin Gaiser consistently won balls in the air. Ruby stayed home and plugged the middle when he wasn't on the attack.

Flathead coach Eric Sawtelle said the match was an ideal test before state.

"Everything in the playoffs gets a lot more intense," Sawtelle said. "I think we came out with the intensity we needed to win and play well; we were just a little tight. I think our passes were just a little off and our touch was just a little off in the beginning of the game.

"(The Eagles) came out really strong. They pressured us and they played really intense, but our defense played great all game."

Big Sky goalkeeper Alex Rastorguyev kept the Eagles close with 12 saves.

The Braves begin their state run next Thursday, likely against Bozeman, which Flathead beat in a title-game shootout last fall.

"We're just ready to go," Ruby said. "A lot of people expected us to come in first (place), but … we're getting our game back on, our style, and it's starting to come together."

Thursday's victory didn't come easily, but it may have been just what the Braves needed.

"I think that is a good result of this game: knowing that we have to work every step of the way for victory," Sawtelle said. "We have to step on the field knowing that we've got to work for it, and with the confidence that we can beat anybody."

Big Sky 0 0 - 0

Flathead 0 2 - 2

FLATHEAD - Chresten Knaff, 69:00; Chase Jordt, 75:00

Shots on goal - BS 7, FHS 23

Corner kicks - BS 4, FHS 10

Goalie saves - BS 12 (Alex Rastorguyev), FHS 2 (Jordan Vaughan)

Fouls - BS 6, FHS 17

Cards - BS 1 (yellow), FHS 1 (yellow)