Boys lose opener, but tie Bigfork

The Columbia Falls boys soccer team had plenty of chances Tuesday, but came up just short against Bigfork in a 0-0 draw.

The Cats out shot the Vikings 12-3. Keeper Jake Calderwood had three saves.

The team moved the ball around well, but the shots were just wide or over the net.

On Saturday the boys fell just short in their opener against Stillwater Christian. A scrappy Stillwater team that handled the ball well out shot the Cats 19-12.

The game was tied 0-0 at the half, but Stillwater's Zane Kloeckl stuck in a goal at the 65 minute mark to break the tie.

Cat goalie Jake Calderwood was busy as the Cats still have some work to do on defense. He had 14 saves and a second shot by Stillwater that went in was called off for roughing the goalie.

Overall, the Cats looked like a team that can put it together and get some wins this year.

"I was impressed with their effort," said coach Peter Browne. "We just need to press more and score goals."

On several occasions first-year forward Taylor Martinson had some great looks at the goal — the shots just didn't go in.

"For his first year, he's playing well. Taylor and Ed Heinz really add to the club," Browne said.

Martinson also had a shot in the closing seconds that found the back of the net, but it was called off because Martinson fouled the defender.

Browne also noted a couple of players are out. Speedy junior Jacob Hader has joined the club and won't have enough practices to be eligible to play until the team's road trip to Belgrade and Livington this weekend. Ditto for senior Louis Grisez. The Cats were also without forward Nate Holt, who is injured.