Boys soccer ends season with hard fought match

The Bigfork Vikings soccer team played two games last week that ended in a 4-3 score, one of which went in their favor.

Saturday afternoon Bigfork jumped out to an early lead while hosting Polson for their final game of the season. Seniors Alec MacCallum and Lael Richmond had goals in the 6th and 9th minutes, respectively, both assisted by sophomore Dillon Charlebois.

Polson fought back with back-to-back goals. Jonathan Murphy was first for the Pirates at the 25th minute assisted by Adam Moore and Sean Hart followed with the second goal one minute later to tie the game. Will Wallace, assisted by James Larson, got Polson the go-ahead goal right before the first half ended.

MacCallum tied the game back up for the Vikes at the 48th minute with his 11th goal of the season. However, Joakim Kongelf took the lead back for the Pirates in the 74th minute, with an assist by Peter Hanson.

"The boys fought valiantly with two players out ill and no less than seven on the field with the flu or flu like symptoms," said Keith Koslosky, Bigfork High School Head Boys Soccer Coach, who added that he was proud of the boys for maintaining their competitive spirit and determination under adverse conditions.

The Pirates needed the win to stay in contention for a playoff spot, however they later found out that they were bumped out by Whitefish beating Libby.

The game against the Pirates was the last for seniors Skyler Doak, Keenan Evans, MacCallum and Richmond.

"This was a special season for me in that I will see my first freshman class graduate this spring," Koslosky said. "In tribute to this year's seniors, the team did not let down after being eliminated from the playoff picture. These seniors are to be commended for providing their team with a model in both word and deed regarding will, desire, determination, spirit, competitive nature and leadership."

MacCallum finished the season in a tie for having the third most goals in the state among Class A boys. He also had the third most points total, with six assists and 11 goals. Richmond had eight goals this season, putting him in a tie for the fifth most in the state.

Bigfork ended their chances of making the playoffs when they lost to Whitefish 3-2 on Sept.. 29. However, the following Tuesday, Oct. 6, the Vikings avenged a 0-0 tie to Stillwater Christian earlier this season with a 4-3 victory against Stillwater.

Bigfork took an early lead when Richmond scored in the 6th minute.

"The Vikings came out hard and fast jumping to an early lead on the host Cougars," Koslosky said. "Seniors Alec MacCallum and Lael Richmond, who started the scoring early for the Vikes, turned in stellar performances. This score coming after a near miss on a free kick by senior Keenan Evans in the first minute of play."

The Vikings held off the Cougars until the 31st minute when Josh Bray made it a tie game. That didn't last long though. Matt Killian scored in the 39th minute assisted by Charlebois and put Bigfork back on top before the end of the first half. Richmond added another point to Bigfork's score in the 57th minute with an assist by MacCallum, who put in a goal of his own three minutes later, assisted by Charlebois.

"Dillon Charlebois along with Matt Killian, continue to impress with their play regardless of the position they are playing," Koslosky said. "Both moved to central midfield for this match, giving the team a presence lacked in Libby. Each has played in three different positions this season with success. Anthony Fopp and Dylan Reichenbach provided solid minutes in their first starts of the season."

Stillwater tried to catch-up with goals in the 61st and 64th minute by Jeremy Curtis and Ryan Thompson, respectively, but it wasn't enough to keep Bigfork from getting the win.

"Junior Fabian Zavala, in his first appearance of the season on the back line, was no less than fabulous," Koslosky said. "He shutdown numerous late attacks by the host Cougars. The team felt Fabian saved us on several occasions in preserving the victory."

Stillwater took 21 shots on the goal and Bigfork took eight. Freshman Austin Jordt played his first full game as goalkeeper for the Vikings, after taking on the role for the second half of the team's game in Libby the previous Saturday, and had 11 saves.