Columbia Falls Stuns 6-Time Defending Soccer Champs

The Wildkats pulled off an unforgettable upset on the other side of the state.

Lindsay Strouse scored her third goal in overtime to lead Columbia Falls past six-time defending state champion Billings Central 3-2 in the semifinal round of the Class A soccer playoffs on Oct. 25.

Strouse scored her second goal with six minutes left in regulation to tie the match at 2-all, with an assist from Ellie Johnson. Then in overtime, Strouse scored unassisted and the Wildkats became the first team to beat the Rams since 2011. The victory ended Billings Central’s 54-match unbeaten streak. Wildkats’ goalkeeper Alyson Bimbel made five saves.

Columbia Falls rolled into the Class A state soccer championship match, which will be at 11 a.m. at the Columbia Falls high school field this Saturday. The Wildkats will host Laurel, the No. 2 seed from the East. Laurel defeated Whitefish 3-0 in the semifinal round last weekend.

In the Class A boys playoff series, Belgrade eliminated Whitefish 3-0 in the semifinal round. Corvallis defeated Bigfork 3-1 in the other semifinal match.

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