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Belgrade Holds off Columbia Falls in Soccer Semifinal

Columbia Falls ended its best season in a decade by winning the Northern A conference title

By Dillon Tabish

Belgrade scored three goals in the second half and held off a late rally attempt by Columbia Falls to notch a 4-2 victory in Saturday’s semifinal round of the Class A boys soccer playoffs.

The Panthers’ road victory secured a trip to Corvallis to play for the state championship. The loss ended Columbia Falls’ season at 11-2-1.

Senior Logan Stephens capped his impressive prep career with one final goal, ending his season total at 17. Senior exchange student Jon Sigurdsson had a goal and assist. Goalkeeper Brandon Karberg made 10 saves. Belgrade outshot Columbia Falls 15-7.

Columbia Falls ended its best season in a decade by winning the Northern A conference title and finishing one match shy of the state title game.

Belgrade (12-2) will play Corvallis (14-0) for the championship on Oct. 29.

In the girls playoffs, Billings Central edged Polson in an overtime shootout in the semifinals, winning 3-2. During regulation, Tiara Duford, Ashley Howell and Janessa Taylor each scored for Polson.

Billings Central advanced to the state championship and will host Laurel.