Libby wins state soccer title

Loggers nip Billings Central 2-1 in shootout

The Daily Inter Lake

BILLINGS - Mission accomplished.

State runners-up a year ago, Libby won it all this time. The Loggers downed Billings Central 2-1 in a thrilling Saturday shootout at the Class A boys state soccer tournament at Wendy's Field on the campus of Rocky Mountain College.

Libby, 10-4-1, connected on three penalty kicks in the shootout to one for Billings Central, 12-2-1, to secure its first state championship.

"It's a tough way to lose a game," Libby coach Charlie Webster.

"Billings Central played an excellent game, but Libby was a better team today, a much better team."

In the shootout, Libby was up first and went with Evan May. His shot hit the crossbar.

"I thought we would miss a shot or two, but I never expected Evan May to be the one to miss," Webster said.

"He's by far my best PK shooter. I was little concerned after that."

It was Billings Central's turn next and it connected to take a 1-0 lead.

Up next for Libby was Cree Maloney, and his shot ended up in the net to tie the shootout at 1-1.

Libby goalie Lewis Brossman then stopped Billings Central's next effort.

Kyle Berke's penalty kick put Libby up 2-1, and Reny followed with another, while Central failed twice.

"It was a grueling game," Webster said.

"Both teams were very tired by overtime.

"We had a little deeper bench," Webster added.

"We were able to do a little more subbing than they did."

Webster said Levi Edwards-Myslicki, Marco Vences, Daniel Webster and Caleb Lapka all came off the bench and contributed big-time.

Libby tied the match at 1-1 in the 65th minute. Maloney and Reny were both credited with the goal, which was assisted by Berke.

"It was a pass into the middle of the box, everyone scrambled for it and we got it in," Webster said.

Maloney and Reny both touched the ball that scored.

"That's what they're telling me," Webster said.

"They were glad it went in. They didn't care who scored."

Billings Central scored quickly, just three minutes into the match, on a goal by Cody Dutton.

"We had a mental breakdown on their first goal in the third minute," Webster said.

"But we were all business after that."

Libby 0 1 0 0 1 - 2

Billings Central1 0 00 0 - 1

Libby - Cree Maloney/Nick Reny (Kyle Berke), 65:00

Billings Central - Cody Dutton, 3:00

Shootout Goals

Libby - Cree Maloney, Berke, Reny

Billings Central - Made one, player name not available

Shots on goal - Libby 9, Billings Central 3

Corner kicks - Libby 5, Billings Central 2

Goalie saves - Libby 10 (Lewis Brossman), Billings Central 10 (Cody Linde)

Fouls - Libby 12, Billings Central 20

Cards - Libby, 2 yellow