Kats beat Bulldogs, now second in conference

The Columbia Falls girls soccer team dominated ball possession for most of the game against Whitefish Saturday at home, but it took awhile to find the back of the net.

Ellie Johnson broke the war of attrition at the 73-minute mark when she got a good look on a corner kick from Tavia Bechtel to put the Wildkats up 1-0. Johnson, the Kats' stellar wing, knocked in another goal three minutes later and it looked like Columbia Falls would cruise to victory.

But Bulldog Haley Nicholson hit a shot from 30 yards out to make it interesting at the 78-minute mark.

The Kats then held on for dear life as they turned away a volley of Bulldog shots in the closing minutes.

"That second goal turned out to be huge," said coach Greg Trenerry.

The Kats lost to Polson 2-1 away Sept. 21.

"It was a tough game," Trenerry said.

The girls are now 5-2-1 overall and 3-1 in conference play, which puts them in second place.

The Lady Bulldogs are 3-2, having played one more conference game. The team travels to Libby Saturday. The last week of the season will determine the Northern A champ. The Kats face Bigfork Oct. 6, then Polson at home Oct. 8 and Whitefish away Oct. 10 to wrap up the regular season.

Whitefish 0 1 - 1

Columbia Falls 0 2 - 2

COL - Ellie Johnson (Tavia Bechtel), 73:00

COL - Johnson (Natasha Martin), 76:00

WHT - Haley Nicholson (direct kick), 78:00

Shots on goal - Whitefish 7, Columbia Falls 11. Saves - Whitefish 9 (Kess Nelson), Columbia Falls 6 (Allyson Gimbel). Corner kicks - Whitefish 2, Columbia Falls 7. Fouls - Whitefish 11, Columbia Falls 15. Cards - none.