The Billings Central Boy’s Soccer team has faced adversity during their past seasons. During their 2021 season, they lost in a play in game to Lone Peak which meant they did not make it to the Class A State Playoffs. Last year after having success during their regular season games, they lost out in the first round of playoffs. This season the boys were determined to create a different outcome.
After graduating five seniors in the spring, the returning sophomores, juniors, and seniors knew how much effort they needed to put in so they could attempt to win a state championship. They boys spent countless hours during the summer going to open fields and training so they could be prepared for the season in the fall. As August approached, the team realized that they could do this, but they needed to have a positive mindset. Junior Daniel Apostle stated, “My mindset going into the season was really to play the best we can. I knew we were going to be a competitive team this year and everyone was playing for one main goal: winning state.”
The boys started their season off strong. They dominated during their games and continued to play for their goal. As the regular season games came to a close, the boys hard work payed off as they only won and tied their games. Their goal became a reality as they became the first seed in the east conference. First, the boys had to take on Polson to advance to the semifinal game. Their hard work payed off and they won the game 3-0. The team traveled to Corvallis to compete in the semifinal match where they won 2-0. The team landed themselves in the championship, which was the first time since 2012.
The team immediately started preparing to take on the Whitefish Bulldogs to hopefully come out on top and earned their second state title. Saturday quickly approached and the boys knew it was go time. Kick off was at noon and the boys came out strong. The game was very evenly matched with both teams having many shots on goal. The first 40 minutes came to an end and the game was still scoreless. After halftime, both teams came out looking for opportunities to find their way onto the scoreboard. About halfway through the second half the Bulldogs had a lucky shot on goal that placed them ahead at 2-1. The boys kept fighting but came out short as the clock hit zero. Even though the outcome was not what the team wanted, this team became a family during the season. “We all know each other pretty well and we all are friends so it’s more fun to play a sport you are passionate about with your friends who become like family.”
