Team Montana 3rd in Patriot's Cup soccer tournament

Team Montana, sponsored by the Flathead Valley Soccer Camp, competed in the U-16’s seven-team Premier Division and finished third at the Patriot’s Cup in Mesa, Ariz, Nov. 6-7-8.

Team Montana defeated Mesa Soccer Club and Arizona Rush by 1-0 scores before falling in the semifinals to Tucson Soccer Academy 1-0 in a shootout. Mesa and Rush were seeded No. 1 and 2, respectively. Mesa was the defending Cup champions, while the Rush was a runner-up.

Team Montana did not give up a goal in regulation play.

Team Montana consisted of players from Kalispell, Whitefish, Bozeman, Great Falls and Missoula.

Montana’s back-line was led by all-state player Tess Brenneman from Kalispell. She assisted on one goal.

Team Montana coach Mike Stebbins said Chantel Gustine and Abretia Crandell, both of Kalispell, excelled with their passing.

Kalispell’s Anna Jobe, Brittany Earnest and Megan Gardner, according to Stebbins, “played well in both attacking and defending the midfield with good, tough, ball-winning attitudes.”

Kalispell’s Malia Ozegovich also stood out with her attacking and defending.

“Samantha Dittman from Whitefish played well as an outside back and in running the flank,” Stebbins said.

The Arizona teams competing were at the end of their seasons, while the Montana squad had just three practices before the first match.

The majority of the players on Team Montana attended the Flathead Soccer Camp in Kalispell last summer.