Boys find rhythm

The Whitefish boys soccer team seems to have finally found a groove.

The Bulldogs won its third consecutive Northwest A match Saturday with a 4-1 victory over rival Columbia Falls under the lights at Memorial Field. Whitefish (6-2-1) shutout Bigfork 3-0 on Tuesday. The two wins squarely put Whitefish atop the conference standings.

Senior Jared Johnson says his team has found a passion and drive that was missing at the start of the season.

“When we started out, we didn’t have the drive we were looking for,” Johnson said. “We didn’t have the drive to win, or the effort and passion. We tasted defeated, and none of us liked it.”

“Recently though we have come out stronger. We’re a good enough team, but it’s all about heart.”

Johnson hit the net twice in Saturday’s game. His first goal came in the 12th minute on a perfectly-place shot from 25 yards out.

“I had the space, and whenever a team gives you space, you have to try and capitalize any way you can,” Johnson said.

He followed with another score in the 23rd minute, beating a defender to a loose ball and burying his shot past the Wildcat goalkeeper.

Casey Ling scored at 51 minutes and Sam Heutmaker capped the game with a goal at 72 minutes.

Johnson acknowledged the rowdy home crowd at Memorial Field for the rare night soccer match.

“I wish we could play every game here,” he said. “The home crowd was nuts. It’s awesome to have them out here.”

Johnson says the team’s focus going forward is to stay cool and stick to the game plan.

“We have to go out and give it our all and play as a team,” he said. “If we can do that, we can go far.”

Whitefish plays at Polson on Thursday. The Dogs tied the Pirates in their first meeting.

Columbia Falls 0 1 — 1

Whitefish 2 2 — 4

COLUMBIA FALLS — Daniel Skinner, 53:00

WHITEFISH — Jared Johnson (Scott Marsh), 12:00; Johnson, 23:00; Casey Ling (Johnson), 51:00; Sam Heutmaker (Johnson), 72:00.

Shots on goal — Columbia Falls 4, Whitefish 14; Goalie saves — Columbia Falls 14 (Brandon Karberg), Whitefish 2 (Sam Benkelman); Corner kicks — Columbia Falls 1, Whitefish 6; Fouls — Columbia Falls 9, Whitefish 10; Cards — 1 yellow for Whitefish

Bigfork 0 0 – 0

Whitefish 1 2 – 3

W – Brady Bergeson (Sam Heutmaker), 36:00

W – Walter Sobba (free kick), 71:00

W – Quinten Joos (Jared Johnson), 80:00

Shots on goal – Bigfork 7, Whitefish 6. Saves – Bigfork 6 (Ben Russell), Whitefish 7 (Sam Benkelman). Corner kicks – Bigfork 5, Whitefish 3. Total fouls – Bigfork 8, Whitefish 9. Cards – Whitefish 1.