Bulldog boys soccer ties with top-rated Columbia Falls

It was another thrilling rivalry game when the Bulldogs met the Wildcats in Columbia Falls last Tuesday, with the match ending in a 1-1 tie.

“I could not be more proud of our boys,” Whitefish Head Coach Eric Sawtelle said. “They were up to the challenge tonight and left everything on the pitch.”   

Both goals were scored in the first half.  

Whitefish’s Preston McPherson took a pass from Kyler Jonson to score just 10 minutes into the game.  

The Wildcats’ Bruno Felijoo Vazquez sank a penalty shot in the 30th minute to knot it up. 

“We controlled much of the game with tireless efforts from our midfielders and our defense did an amazing job keeping Columbia Falls’ chances to relatively benign shots from distance,” Sawtelle noted.  

The effort on both sides was palpable and the crowd enjoyed another great game. 

“I am happy with the progress our team has made and love the spirit, the passion and the desire the boys showed on the pitch tonight,” Sawtelle said. “We look forward to another meeting with Columbia Falls in the playoffs.” 

WHITEFISH HIGH School celebrated senior night on Oct. 10 before the Bulldogs took on Thompson Falls. Whitefish won its last regular season game, 5-1. 

"It was difficult to watch our senior boys walk out onto our beautiful pitch at Smith Fields for the final time,” Sawtelle said. “They have been an incredible group to work with.” 

Despite a sluggish first half for the Bulldogs, McPherson kicked off the scoring for the home team after receiving a pass from Reid Alexander in the 12th minute. It was the only goal in the first half. 

The Bulldogs played a draining and intense game against Columbia Falls on Tuesday. Sawtelle said the team was lethargic, disjointed and sloppy in possession for most of the first half on Thursday. 

“We improved in the second half and played as a more cohesive unit - connecting passes to find space and goal scoring opportunities,” he said. “This game was a stark reminder that we have to show up to every match and training session ready to work harder than our opponent."   

Junior forward Jack Oehlerich, assisted by Rowan Perkins, sank a shot 6 minutes before Kyler Jonson assisted Griffin Gunlikson for the team’s third goal.

The Blue Hawks’ Wrobleski prevented a shutout by scoring in the 65th minute. 

Late in the game, Jonson scored and McPherson tallied another. 

Sawtelle said now is the time for the team, who finished the regular season 9-2-1, to regroup and focus on its remaining games. He knows they are ready to support one another and work as a unit. 

“Their leadership, passion and drive has inspired everyone in the program to work harder and to perform at the highest level possible,” Sawtelle said of the team. “We will miss these boys and no matter what we end up achieving this season, they have left a legacy that will continue to positively impact our community.” 

The first round of playoff soccer begins Saturday, Oct. 19. The boys will play at Lone Peak High School in Big Sky. The semifinals are Oct. 26, and the final is Nov. 2. 

Oct. 8 Whitefish at Columbia Falls 

Shots: Whitefish 9. C. Falls 6. Corner Kicks: Whitefish 5, C. Falls 1 Fouls: Whitefish 3, C. Falls 8. 

Oct. 10 Thompson Falls at Whitefish  

Shots: Whitefish 12, Thompson Falls 8. Fouls: Whitefish 5, Thompson Falls 4. Corners: Whitefish 4, Thompson Falls 1.