Wasilla boys show potential in loss to Wolfpack

ANCHORAGE — A new crop of Wasilla Warriors got a taste of life in the starting lineup Friday.

The Warriors dropped a 3-1 loss to West Valley, but longtime Wasilla head coach Blake Livingston said the new group showS promise.

“I felt pretty good about my team’s effort. I think the potential’s there,” Livingston said.

Junior Kyler Perry scored the lone goal for the Warriors, hammering in a header off a Chance Morrison cross.

Perry’s goal came early in the second half and cut West Valley’s lead to 2-1.

“We had some momentum right after that,” Livingston said.

About five minutes after his goal, Perry knocked a shot off the crossbar of the net.

West Valley’s Chris Irwin scored during the 58th minute to give the Wolfpack the 3-1 lead.

David Carr and Daniel Remington also scored for West Valley. Carr converted a penalty kick early to give the Fairbanks team a 1-0 lead.

West Valley also beat Colony 5-0 on Thursday.

“They’re legit,” Livingston said. “I think our team put forth a fairly gritty effort. We won most of the 50-50 balls and were down in their end a lot. West Valley, for sure, was more technically skilled. I think they’ll be one of the stronger teams.”

Junior Corey Hogan, a converted outside midfielder, made his first varsity start in the Wasilla goal.

“You could tell as the game wore on he became more and more confident,” Livingston said. “I think for his first full game in goal, he showed pretty well.”

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman sports editor Jeremiah Bartz at sports@frontiersman.com.