The Liberty Bell High School boys’ soccer team started the season with wins at Bridgeport and Tonasket before falling to Brewster.
The Mountain Lions traveled to Bridgeport on March 17 and came away with a 5-1 win. Goals were scored by Charlie Thornton-White (two), Jorge Lara, Willy Duguay, and Bram Wathen. Assists came from Lara (two), Marty Larsen and Thornton-White.
“Bridgeport is a strong team with an excellent keeper but we played a fast-paced possession game with strong defense,” said coach Lincoln Post. “We created relentless pressure that eventually found the back of the net.”
At Tonasket on Thursday (March 19), Liberty Bell prevailed, 3-2. Thornton-White scored another two goals, and Lara added the third.
“Tonasket came at us fast and furious, and with a team strong in seniors they put a lot of pressure against us,” Post said. “[Liberty Bell goalkeeper] Mikey Hafsos had an excellent game with many key saves.”
“Tonasket remained relentless throughout the game,” Post added. “The game became really physical and the refs handed out a lot of yellow cards.”
The Mountain Lions traveled to Brewster on Saturday (March 21), where they lost, 3-1. Liberty Bell got off to a slow start, showing the effects of a big first week of games, Post said.
“We had a number of starters either injured or sick and we were not playing the same level of soccer as we had in our previous two games,” the coach said.
“Brewster is a good team and beat us to the ball and controlled the tempo through the first half leading, 1-0,” Post said. “In the second half we worked as a team and took over possession and control, but gave up two goals on errors that Brewster capitalized on. Lara scored a beautiful goal on a cross from Larsen to finish the game on a positive note.”
Post likes the Mountain Lions’ chances this year. “I am really excited to be working with this team,” he said. “They have excellent skills, a great work ethic and team camaraderie.”
Liberty Bell was scheduled to travel to Oroville on Tuesday (March 24), Chelan on Wednesday and Omak on Thursday. The first home game will be against Manson on Tuesday (March 31) at 4 p.m.
