Stillwater MCAA boys soccer champions
BOZEMAN — There was no denying Stillwater Christian School this time.
After finishing second to Heritage Christian School the last three years in the Montana Christian Athletic Association state boys soccer championship match, the Cougars pulled this one out with an overtime goal by Zac King in the 93rd minute for a exhilarating 3-2 victory.
Stillwater won its first state title since 2014 and finished the season 12-2-3.
Heritage came in having won the last three championships and has lost just twice in the last four seasons.
“It’s been a great season,” Stillwater coach Ryan O’Rourke said.
“The guys have played so well, improved throughout the season. It’s been a lot of fun.”
Daniel Shawback gave Stillwater a 1-0 lead with his goal at 19 minutes.
Heritage scored twice in the second half to take a 2-1 lead.
But Arsen Medvedenko tied it for Stillwater at 75 minutes to force overtime.
King, who was voted the tournament MVP, netted the game winner in the second 10-minute overtime session from 17 yards out.
“He knew he would score that goal,” O’Rourke said.
“He put it in the top left corner.
“He’s a team captain, a team leader for us all year. It was a great way for him to cap off his high school career.”
Stillwater opened the tournament on Thursday by besting Billings Christian School 7-0. Those two teams played again on Friday with Stillwater prevailing 3-0.
Joining King, a center-midfielder, on the all-tournament first team for Stillwater were Medvedenko and Nicholas Sulzbacher.
On the second team from Stillwater were Josiah Dezell, Caleb Cole-Tinkham and Colton Johnson.
Championship Match
Saturday
Stillwater Christian 1 1 0 1 — 3
Heritage Christian 0 2 0 0 — 2
SC — Daniel Shawback, 19:00
HC — Nolan Finch, 52:00
HC — Finch, 74:00
SC — Arsen Medvedenko, 75:00
SC — Zac King, 93:00
Shots on goal — Stillwater 16, Heritage 13; Corner kicks — Stillwater 1, Heritage 10; Keeper saves — Stillwater 11 (Josh Venman), Heritage 13 (Noah Madil); Fouls — NA; Cards — Heritage, 1 yellow.
Friday
Stillwater def. Billings Christian School 3-0
Stillwater goals (assists)
Caleb Cole-Tinkham, Logan Feist (Hayden Remington) and King.
Thursday
Stillwater def. Billings Christian School 7-0
Stillwater goals (assists)
Nicholas Sulzbacher, Remington (Samuel West), Medvedenko (Remington), Remington (Medvedenko), Stephan Thompson (Medvedenko), Feist (West) and Sulzbacher (Feist).