Braves fall, Bravettes roll in openers
The Daily Inter Lake
The Flathead boys' soccer team got everything it hoped for out of Tuesday's season opener - except a victory.
The Braves outshot visiting Missoula Hellgate and had plenty of scoring chances, but the Knights hung on for a 2-1 Western AA triumph.
"We had a couple of great opportunities that we just didn't capitalize on in the first half," said first-year Braves head coach Chris Putzler.
"There were two awesome shots that their keeper just made great saves on. You've got to give him credit for that."
Flathead unleashed 14 shots on goal, compared to nine for Hellgate. Knights goalkeeper Willow Skyrud finished with six saves.
Hellgate went out front midway through the first half on a goal by Colin Snodgrass. Sean Hubber put the Knights up 2-0 in the 53rd minute before Kyle Dixon connected on a free kick to put Flathead on the board in the 71st minute.
Putzler said Hellgate's 3-5-2 formation created a crowded midfield that the Braves had trouble breaking through.
Jordan Remington made two saves for Flathead.
"It was what I expected," Putzler said of Flathead's opener. "I expected Hellgate to be one of the tougher teams out of Missoula.
"It's always disappointing to finish with a loss, but the guys played hard, they played very well, and they just weren't able to convert on a couple opportunities."
The Braves visit Helena Capital on Saturday at 3 p.m.
Hellgate 1 1 - 2
Flathead 0 1 - 1
Hellgate - Colin Snodgrass (NA), 17:00; Sean Hubber (Park Harmon), 53:00
Flathead - Kyle Dixon (free kick), 71:00
Shots on goal - Hel. 9, FHS 14
Corner kicks - NA
Goalie saves - Hel. 6 (Willow Skyrud), FHS 2 (Jordan Remington)
Total fouls - Hel. 12, FHS 10
Cards - Hel. 3 (yellow), FHS 0
Flathead 4, Hellgate 2
The Bravettes began their season opener with some question marks, but finished with resounding answers.
Flathead's mix of fresh faces and veterans was in control most of the way, capping a Western AA victory with three second-half goals.
"I went in knowing this was going to be a good test for us," Bravettes coach Scott Warnell said. "We're starting five freshmen and sophomores, so we're a young team.
"They handled the pressure very well, and Hellgate put a lot of pressure on us."
Heidi Windauer put Flathead in front just six minutes into the game, scoring off an assist from Talyssa Gardner. Hellgate's Callie Woody tied the game at 1 just before halftime, but the Bravettes exploded out of the break, regaining the lead on a goal by Amryn Ayres, who was assisted by Chelsea Shuman.
Meagan Hash's goal off an Ayres assist gave Flathead a 3-1 cushion, and Shuman iced the victory with a last-minute goal after Piper Frame brought the Knights within 3-2 in the 73rd minute.
"They played well and passed right where they needed to pass," Warnell said of the Bravettes. "The girls were making really good runs right where they needed to be and shot well.
"Everything seemed to click for them today."
Goalkeepers Carli Kusler and Brittany Earnest had seven saves apiece for Flathead, playing behind a defense that proved its mettle.
"We actually started two freshmen and a sophomore and one senior," Warnell said. "They played very well together and managed to let only two goals in.
"We've got a lot to work on, but I'm pleased with how they started out and came out and played."
The Bravettes visit Helena Capital on Saturday at 1 p.m.
Hellgate 1 1 - 2
Flathead 1 3 - 4
Hellgate - Callie Woody, 39:00; Piper Frame, 73:00
Flathead - Heidi Windauer (Talyssa Gardner), 6:00; Amryn Ayres (Chelsea Shuman), 47:00; Meagan Hash (Ayres), 72:00; Shuman, 80:00
Shots on goal - Hel. 15, FHS 10
Corner kicks - Hel. 2, FHS 2
Goalie saves - Hel. 5 (Anna Pickhardt 4, Molly Callahan-Baumstark), FHS 14 (Carli Kusler 7, Brittany Earnest 7)
Total fouls - Hel. 5, FHS 2
Cards - none