Class AA: Braves run out of gas
The Flathead boys ran out of gas against Sentinel, falling 3-1 in a Western AA soccer match on Tuesday at Kidsports Complex.
The Braves got off to a fast start, Sam Gonzalez scoring four minutes in on an assist from Kaleb Frame, but their lightning-quick effort wore thin as their legs gave way later in the half.
Sentinel’s Dylan Leadbetter scored five minutes before half to tie the score. After the break, the Spartans picked up another pair, first on a deflection off a Flathead player and the second off the foot of Todd Thayer.
“We started great,” Flathead coach Dan Ferguson said. “For 15 minutes we were on our front foot. We played with intelligence and got some good shots. Then we ran out of gas.”
The loss was the Braves’ third match in five days. They’ll have an opportunity to get their legs back this week, as the team is off until Tuesday for a road trip to Missoula Hellgate.
Sentinel 1 2 — 3
Flathead 1 0 — 1
F — Sam Gonzalez (Kaleb Frame), 4:00
S — Dylan Leadbetter (unassisted), 35:00
S — Flathead own goal, 55:00
S — Todd Thayer (Adam Mickelson), 59:00
Shots on goal — Sentinel 21 (11-10), Flathead 11 (8-3). Saves — Sentinel 5 (Kai Block), Flathead 12 (Josh Osborne). Corner kicks — Sentinel 8, Flathead 2. Fouls — Sentinel 9, Flathead 12. Yellow cards — Sentinel 2, Flathead 2.
GIRLS
Flathead 1, Sentinel 1
Zoe Loudermilk scored 12 minutes into the second half to give Flathead a lead against Sentinel in the Bravettes’ Western AA clash, but a last-minute goal allowed the Spartans to escape with a point.
Flathead’s Jaymee Siler took the ball deep into the Sentinel zone and launched a left-footed cross that found Loudermilk, who used her chest at the back post to net the first goal of the contest.
Sentinel’s Lexi Steele scored in the 77th minute to tie the match, one the undefeated Spartans dominated in shots on goal. Sentinel had 24 shots on goal compared to the Bravettes’ 13 and need 10 fewer saves.
“They played their best game of the season,” Flathead coach Cory Wilson said of the Bravettes’ effort.
“They should feel good playing an undefeated team to square, almost pulling off a win. They had great intensity, and tactically, they did a great job of stretching the field. Many of the kids played their best game of the season so far.”
Flathead goalkeeper Zoe Zander made 16 saves in the contest.
Sentinel 0 1 – 1
Flathead 0 1 – 1
F – Zoe Loudermilk (Jaymee Siler), 52:00
S – Lexi Steele, 77:00
Shots on goal – Sentinel 24, Flathead 13. Saves – Sentinel 6 (Bekah Joy), Flathead 16 (Zoe Zander). Corner kicks – Sentinel 1, Flathead 1. Total fouls –Sentinel 7, Flathead 1. Cards – none.