Stillwater clips Columbia Falls
Stillwater Christian School's Josh LeGassey (16) stays a step ahead of Columbia Falls' Leonard Nichol during second-half play at Stillwater in Kalispell Tuesday afternoon. Allison Money/Daily Inter Lake
The Daily Inter Lake
Daniel Jentz and Josh Bray both scored twice and Jake Meerkatz opened the scoring just 12 minutes into play and assisted on another later on to lead Stillwater Christian School to a 6-1 nonconference soccer victory on Tuesday over Class A Columbia Falls.
Stillwater Christian, 3-4-2 overall, is a member of the Montana Christian Athletic Association.
The Cougars are 2-1-1 versus Northern A competition this fall.
"We've stepped up our schedule this year," Stillwater coach Tim Anderson said.
"We're excited not to just be in games with single A schools, but to be competitive with them."
Stillwater has also beaten Polson, managed to tie Bigfork and lost to Whitefish.
Stillwater has one match left versus Class A and that's versus Polson.
"It was a very fair game," Anderson said of Tuesday's contest. "Columbia Falls played tough soccer and did not give up tonight. It was good to see their efforts rewarded with a goal at the end."
Nate Holt scored for the Wildcats at 72 minutes.
"A beautiful free kick that skirted past our keeper," Anderson said of Holt's goal.
Stillwater outshot Columbia Falls on goal 10-5, and led in corner kicks 8-3.
"We played great team soccer tonight," Anderson said.
"The guys came ready to play and moved the ball well to create good looks at the goal.
"Jake Meerkatz had a fantastic game," Anderson added.
"He scored the first goal off a free kick and started the attack after winning several balls out of the back. Freshman Josh Bray also finished the ball with confidence and gave us a much needed lift in the attacking third of the field."
Jeremy Curtis had the other goal for Stillwater.
Columbia Falls 0 1 - 1
Stillwater Christian 3 3 - 6
COLUMBIA FALLS - Nate Holt, 72:00
STILLWATER CHRISTIAN SCHOOL - Jake Meerkatz, 12:14; Daniel Jentz (Steven Meadows), 18:00; Josh Bray (Ryan Thompson), 40:00; Bray (Meerkatz), 46:00; Jeremy Curtis (Michael McClure), 51:00; Jentz, 66:00.
Shots on goal - Columbia Falls 5, Stillwater 10
Corner kicks - Columbia Falls 3, Stillwater 8
Goalie saves - Columbia Falls 4 (Jacob Calderwood), Stillwater 4 (Josh LeGassey)
Fouls - NA; Cards - None