Showcase: Stars shine bright on night for soccer

The first Flathead Rapids Senior Showcase and Valley Cup soccer games featured three competitive matches before a large turnout last Friday at Whitefish's Memorial Field.

"About 500 people," event organizer O'Brien Byrd said of the attendance.

"It was amazing.

"For the girls game, the players had family, friends (watch). The guys (the same thing). Just soccer fans in general. It was a special night."

The Senior Showcase part of the evening was devoted to senior all-conference and all-state players, boys and girls, from eight schools - Bigfork, Columbia Falls, Flathead, Glacier, Libby, Polson, Stillwater Christian School and Whitefish. The 28 girls and 23 boys were split into two teams.

In the girls match, which was played at 4 p.m., the Dark Team beat the Light Team 3-1.

In the boys match, which followed, the Dark Team beat the Light Team 2-0.

The Flathead Rapids, a team comprised of semi-professional and ex-college players, capped the night off by edging the Sandpoint Monarchs 5-4. It was the first time the Rapids had beaten the premier team from Idaho in four tries.

"It more than exceed our expectations," Byrd said of the event.

"We just wanted the opportunity to celebrate the high school careers of these seniors.

"Nothing but compliments from players and parents on how it went," he said.

"The matches were close. The worse case scenario would have been a blowout. That would have meant we didn't break the teams up as evenly as we could have."

Byrd said all the players enjoyed their moment in the spotlight.

"They were really into it," he said.

"Once they saw how many fans came out to watch the games, once the lights were turned on, the music start and once the introductions began, there was a real electric feel to the atmoshphere. It was pretty cool."

Natalie Gayner (Whitefish), Tess Brenneman (Flathead) and Michela Millette (Whitefish) scored goals for the victorius Dark Team. Brenneman and Gayner also had assists.

McKenzie Kiser (Columbia Falls) scored for the Light Team on a penalty kick.

Mark Stormes (Whitefish) and Elias Lapka (Libby) both scored for the Dark Team.

Josiah Bumgarner (Glacier) and Casey Beiser (Whitefish) had assists.

Brenneman and Lapka were named match MVPs.

"It was a lot of work, but it was worth it," Byrd said.

"We're starting a tradition. Hopefully my kids will have a chance to play in that game."

Byrd scored on a penalty kick and assisted on another goal in the Flathead Rapids victory that evening.

Ryan Billiet (two), Jon Cloud and Marcus Riley also scored goals for the Rapids.

Fraser Horton and Andy Bestwick assisted on goals for the Rapids.