Hellgate downs Glacier, advances to title game

MISSOULA — Marcus Anderson scored two goals and assisted on a third as the Missoula Hellgate Knights punched their ticket to the Class AA state championship soccer match with a 3-0 semifinal win over the Glacier Wolfpack on Wednesday.

Hellgate, winners of three of the past four state titles, outshot Glacier 13-5 and had three cornerkicks to one for the Wolfpack.

The Wolfpack had battled Hellgate to two ties during the regular season.

“We played very well, cut could not convert our scoring opportunities. Hellgate was very dynamic and dangerous in the final third and put away two early opportunities. We were never able to recover after that,” said Glacier coach Ryan Billiet.

“We possessed the ball very well and played strong defensively. Our guys worked hard until the final whistle and a lot of young guys got some valuable state semifinal minutes,” he added.

“I’m so proud and grateful for our team’s effort and their character. This year has been amazing and it was due to their internal leadership and positive culture,” the coach said.

Hellgate 3, Glacier 0

Glacier 0 0 —0

Missoula Hellgate 2 1 —3

H — Beckett Arthur (Marcus Anderson), 14:00

H — Dane Becker (Anderson) 24:00

H — Marcus Anderson, 69:00

Shots — Glacier 10, Hellgate 14

Saves — Glacier 12, Hellgate 8

Fouls — Glacier 3, Hellgate 4

Corners — Glacier 2, Hellgate