Vences, Libby stop Livingston in semis

LIBBY - Edson Vences, a junior midfielder, scored unassisted at 38 minutes from 15 yards on the right side, giving Libby a 1-0 victory in Class A semifinal soccer playoff action Saturday afternoon.

It was the second victory of the season for the Loggers (10-2-2) over Livingston. Those two teams met back in September with Libby emerging with a 2-0 victory.

The shutout was the sixth of the fall campaign for the Loggers.

Libby will host Belgrade in a state championship match this weekend. Belgrade advanced with a 1-0 victory at Polson on Saturday.

Libby beat Belgrade earlier this season 4-3 in Belgrade.

"Livingston plays a very direct style," Libby coach Charlie Webster said.

"We had several opportunities, but couldn't capitalize. We probably controlled possession about 75 percent of the game."

Libby lost to Billings Central in the semifinals last year 2-1. The Loggers, state champs in 2008, have played in four straight semifinal matches and will be participating in the state title match for the third time in the last four years.

"A goal in the playoffs does take a lot of the pressure off, especially the first one," Webster said.

"Defensively, our nine senior players played an excellent game today."

Livingston 0 0 - 0

Libby 1 0 - 1

LIBBY - Edson Vences, 38:00.

Shots on goal - Livingston 2, Libby 6; Corner kicks - Livingston 2, Libby 6; Goalie saves - Livingston 4 (Kyle Lavendar), Libby 2 (David Brooks); Fouls - Livingston 21, Libby 23; Cards - Livingston 1 yellow, Libby 3 yellow

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Belgrade 1 0 - 1

Polson 0 0 - 0

BELGRADE - Will Wright, 31:00

Shots on goal - Belgrade 8, Polson 5. Saves - Belgrade 5 (Jordan Malarchick), Polson 7 (Pergreine Frissell). Corner kicks - Belgrade 4, Polson 4. Total fouls - Belgrade 13, Polson 20. Yellow cards - Belgrade 2, Polson 1. Red cards - none.