Clark Fork boys secure second place, U12 moves into first

After a cloudy Saturday in Plains the Clark Fork Soccer Alliance Senior Boys have much to smile about. Entering the day with an outside shot at first place and a chance to repeat as league champions after their 2021 first-place finish, the Clark Fork boys could be forgiven for being disappointed with the outcome of the day. But a strong game against Frenchtown and a calm workman like game against Columbia Falls secured the needed two wins and a second-place finish on the season.

Clark Fork's first matchup was difficult as they played Frenchtown FC who beat them earlier this year in a 3-2 game on the opening day of the season. With team captain and leading scorer Alessandro Nichols suspended for yellow card accumulation and several players out injured the team had no substitutes for the pivotal match. Frenchtown only needed a draw to secure first place while Clark Fork had to win – Clark Fork clearly got the memo because they controlled play right from the start.

Playing their typical possession based, methodical attack Clark fork owned 75% of the ball in the first 15 minutes, only allowing Frenchtown an occasional glimpse of the ball. They had four clear chances including one that struck the crossbar before Frenchtown struck against the run of play on a left-sided counterattack. Clark Fork responded immediately, and it was Plains' Martin Wrobleski with the long-range effort that brought the hosts level. Frenchtown again responded with a quick counter, and then a missed penalty call let Clark Fork again draw level. In the final minutes of the game hometown boy Cody Hafner converted his first goal of the season to put Clark Fork in the driver's seat and secure the win.

In their second game of the day Clark Fork continued to show their class. As has been the case all season they clearly have Columbia Falls' number. The Clark Fork Boys followed-up on their early season away win at Columbia Falls with a confident 6-1 win. The only red mark on the day was a second-half ejection of Chelsea Ramers who will miss the first game of the State Tournament as a result.

The Clark Fork Senior Boys enter the Memorial Day break with a lock on second place and head to the State Cup in Great Falls in 3 weeks.

Clark Fork's Plains U12 team survived a scare from Thompson Falls U12 to move into first place in the statewide Academy League. Competing against 19 teams from around Montana, Clark Fork's U12 Plains team continued to tear through their opponents with a 4-0 win over FC Missoula; but it was their matchup with Thompson Falls U12 that brought out the best in both teams.

The game started with a quick goal from Thompson Falls followed by a defensive masterclass by goalkeeper Jacob Howell to keep Plains off the score sheet "Our goalie Jacob Howell did an amazing job stopping balls that were almost unstoppable," said coach Carole Jensen.

Plains coach Allen said "The teams were very well matched, and Thompson Falls had such intensity in their possession. Coach Adams and I were very proud that our kids matched that intensity and instead of lowing our heads and getting upset our team picked and tried harder and harder until we finally found a rhythm."

With the game tied 2-2 in the final minutes it was youngster Elizabeth Weedeman who scored the winning goal for Plains (her first of the season): "It was such an encouraging moment for us, and for Elizabeth to be in the right spot to score her first goal, in such an important moment in the game."

With the win Clark Fork U12 Plains sits atop the Montana Academy League standings with an 10-0 record and a +29-goal differential. They have a bye next weekend for the holiday before traveling to Stevensville where they will play No. 5 Stevensville and No. 12 placed Great Falls.

Thompson Falls U12 rebooted their winning ways after the loss to Plains with a 5-2 win against FC Missoula. With the win, Thompson Falls moves into fourth place (again out of 19 state-wide teams) tied on goal differential with Stevensville. "The kids left everything out on the field and I am so very proud of every one of my players." Thompson Falls travels to Stevensville in 2 weeks as well.

In other action on the day the Clark Fork U16s continue to grind out their season with a 2-1 loss to Butte and a 2-0 loss to Columbia Falls. As part of their focus on developing players for the senior teams head coach Dave Wrobleski chose to play central defender Mikiah Cook on the attacking wing, "we were able to play Mikiah in some different positions to give her some experience in other parts of the field." Dave goes on to note that goalkeepers "Arrow Hyde and Ireland Corbin did a great job for us in goal. And did a great job with their distribution and shot stopping." Next up for them are their final games in Stevensville in two weeks.

The Clark Fork Academy teams all wrapped up the season at home last Saturday with St. Regis, Plains, and Thompson Falls U10 teams playing their final matches. St. Regis U10 finished their inaugural spring soccer season on a high note with a 6-1 win over plains. Thompson Falls U10 got their first win of the season also against Libby.

Plains similarly finished their season with a positive 5-4 nail biter against Libby: "the highlight of the year for us was the phenomenal passing and ball work in our final game. The kids passed the ball really well and worked incredibly hard in their final game. It's been a great season," noted Plains Coach Brian Meaden.