Clark Fork soccer takes on higher level teams

The coach of the Clark Fork Alliance Soccer U15 team wants to win, but that’s not his top priority. For Dave Wrobleski, what is important is how the kids play, that they practice good sportsmanship, and that they learn the game.

“We’re not headed for the world cup, but learning team skills, communication, handling adversity, and working hard will help them all their life,” said Wrobleski, whose coed team lost to Kalispell’s Flathead Valley United 5-0 Saturday and was defeated by Flathead Valley Rapids of Columbia Falls 5-2.

Wrobleski’s team held their own for most of the first half against Flathead Valley United, but two goals managed to slip by keeper Logan Wall. In the second half, with Haylee Nelson as keeper, the all-boys  Flathead Valley United scored three more, and though Clark Fork Alliance Soccer had some good shots, they were unable to score. 

Flathead Valley Rapids was able to score three goals in the first half. Early in the second half, Flathead scored again, but Clark Fork Alliance returned the favor with a score by Jacob Lulack, followed by a second goal by Maddie Madden. With some 10 minutes left in the game, Flathead Valley Rapids scored. 

Both teams that Clark Fork Alliance confronted were all boys and were higher level teams. The Kalispell team was premier team, the highest level in the league. The Columbia Falls players were considered a select team, which is the level just above classic, Wrobleski’s team.

The Clark Fork Alliance has 11 boys and six girls on the team and has players from Plains, Thompson Falls, Hot Springs, and St. Regis. The team’s keepers Saturday were Logan Wall, Haylee Nelson, and Zayden Allen. The team has one win and two losses and is scheduled to play in Columbia Falls on Saturday, May 1. The next home game for U15 and U13 is slated for May 22.

Wrobleski, who’s in his second season coaching, is still learning the strengths of his players and moved them to different positions on the field, especially newer players. Most of his team are experienced players, but he has two first timers this season. “Some players just have an internal knack for scoring and attacking, others for defense. Midfielders need great control of the ball and passing skills — and eyes in the back of their head,” said Wrobleski, who also said he’s proud of the players. “They play like a team and genuinely seem to like playing on the same team. Their skills are improving tremendously,” he said.

Darren Pullen of Plains, Darian Cremer of Hot Springs, and Alderic Martineau of Libby served as referees in the first game. In game two, it was Pullen, Cremer, and Lindsay Beaty of Libby. 

Other games Saturday included a Thompson Falls U12 2-1 victory over Kalispell, Clark Fork U12 tie against Kalispell, Clark Fork U12 2-1 win against Big Fork U13, a Clark Fork U20 3-1 victory again Flathead, although they lost 7-1 against Great Falls U19 premier. 

Upcoming games include Thompson Falls U13 playing in Polson, the Clark Fork Alliance U13 in Stevensville, and Clark Fork Alliance U18 in Kalispell all on Saturday, May 1. The next home games are May 22 at Amundson Sports Complex.