Mind over matter

Their passing is razor sharp, their

fitness is top notch — but its Whitefish’s knowledge of the game

that could take them on a long run toward a state title.

Whitefish’s boys soccer roster features

mostly seniors and juniors, with only a few sophomores and no

freshman. Coach O’Brien Byrd says the group understands both the

fundamentals and the tactics of soccer.

“They are students of the game,” Byrd

said. “They make adjustment on the fly without being told. They are

an empowered group and one that might not need much barking from

the sideline.”

Tapping into that experience, Byrd says

Whitefish will likely run a possession-based game plan by

controlling the pitch with pace and rhythm. This strategy will be

no easy task, Byrd notes.

“To understand the principles of the

game, it takes a soccer brain,” he said. “You have to be gifted

athletically, too, but I think we’re well balanced up and down the

pitch.”

Junior midfielder Sam Donaldson will be

looked to as a go-to scorer. He was the second-leading scorer last

season.

“Sam is very fast and deceptive,” Byrd

said. “He can shoot from both the left and right, and score from

distance. We’re looking for Sam to rack up the goals.”

Defensively, the Bulldogs will run a

flat back four, meaning there will be no sweeper. The advantage is

that it allows the wing fullbacks to push the ball farther up field

and create offensive pressure. The scheme, however, heavily relies

on good communication and spacing, Byrd noted.

The goal will be well-guarded by two

returning varsity keepers in Thomas Clark and Chance Ling. Byrd

likes having the depth in goal and the healthy team competition it

creates.

“Thomas is a great vocal leader and

technically sound,” Byrd said. “Chance is unbelievable

athletically.”

Whitefish kicks off their season

Friday, Aug. 26 against Stevensville, then travels to Sandpoint,

Idaho on Saturday.

Byrd says the returning varsity players

would like to get some redemption against Sandpoint after a 4-0

beating last year. The other team circled on the schedule is

defending conference champion Polson.

Three teams from the conference make

the state tourney this season.