Warriors capture third in state

WASILLA -- It was simply a question of who was going to break first.

The Wasilla Warriors broke out for four goals in the final 21 minutes of regulation to defeat the Colony Knights 4-0 and claim third place in the ASAA State Soccer tournament.

Wasilla striker Loren Smith scored a pair of goals during the Warriors' offensive flurry, including the goal that broke the scoreless tie.

Cody Schierman and Casey Bowen also scored for Wasilla in the win.

Nearly 59 minutes into the contest, Wasilla's Spencer Roddick sent a looping pass down the field to Smith. The junior striker took the Roddick pass and drove down toward the Colony net. Before Smith was able to complete his shot, he was brought down by a Knight defender.

An infraction was called and on the ensuing penalty kick Smith put a swift kick into the lower right hand side of the net.

The Smith goal lit a spark under the Warriors. Following the score Wasilla was able to consistently drive the ball into the Colony defensive zone.

"We got that first goal and we were able to dictate play after that," Smith said.

"We pressured them all game and we finally got one to hit the back of the net," Wasilla head coach Blake Livingston said. "We were able to capitalize."

Bowen gave the Warriors a 2-0 lead after the junior midfielder booted a loose ball into the Colony net.

Smith struck again just more than a minute later.

With less than three minutes to go in regulation, Cody Schierman took a pass from Angelo Ebenal and scored to give Wasilla the 4-0 advantage.

In addition to his goals, Smith was able to pester Colony goalkeeper Ian Walton consistently in the final 21 minutes.

"He was on all cylinders tonight," Livingston said of Smith.

Smith and the remainder of the Wasilla strikers were given ample opportunities as they were fed crisp passes by their teammates behind them.

"You can be the best striker in the world, but if your teammates don't get you the ball, you won't do much," Smith said.

"The little things gave us opportunities," Livingston said. "We dominated the 50-50 balls."

Nathan Miller recorded the shutout for Wasilla.

The junior keeper's biggest test of the game came with just 2:50 left in regulation.

Miller was able to get a mit out and make a single-handed save on a rocket-like kick from Colony's Nick Van Kirk to preserve the then 3-0 lead.

"Miller made a spectacular save," Livingston said. "It was the save of the game."

"Miller is awesome," Smith added. "He is one of the most improved keepers I have seen."

The Warriors capped off a season in which the program made history. Wasilla not only made their first appearance in the Region III championship game, but also earned their first berth to the state tournament.

"Wasilla has come a long way under Coach Livingston," Smith said.