Warriors open soccer season

WASILLA — For the last four seasons, the Wasilla Warriors have had the chance to open their boys soccer in late March against West Valley.

Even though the Warriors dropped a 2-0 decision to the Wolfpack on Thursday, Wasilla head coach Blake Livingston was happy to see his Warriors have another opportunity to play in a match very early in the season.

“It’s nice to get a game under your belt,” Livingston said by cellphone Thursday evening. “You can start to figure out where the pieces go.”

Getting the chance to see his players live in game action Thursday was really important for Livingston. Without the match, he may have had to wait until the Warriors’ Northern Lights Conference opener against Palmer on April 17.

“We’re going to try to get (another game) between now and then, but right now we’re going to try to build on this,” Livingston said.

West Valley was able to build its 2-0 lead in the first half.

“West Valley’s a quality side. They came out and out-possessed us in the first half. They took advantage of opportunities,” Livingston said.

Livingston said he was improved play from his team during the second half.

“It’s a new season. I think in the second half we started to find our identity. In the second half we were a little more disciplined,” Livingston said.

Wasilla had a quality chance about 20 minutes into the second half. Alex Fonov knocked a shot off the crossbar, and nearly cut West Valley’s lead in half.

The Colony boys will also have a chance to start their season early. Colony plays West Valley Friday at 12:30 p.m. at The Dome in Anchorage.