Havre/Hi-Line United captures state title

The Havre/Hi-Line United U-16 soccer team was more than a little stingy during the Montana State Soccer Cup Tournament in Missoula on June 12-13. The United were ungiving, allowing just one goal the entire tournament en route to a state championship.

The United shut out the Libby Rapids - the only team to score against it - in the championship match to take the title.

Havre opened the tournament with an easy 5-0 win over the Lewistown Bullets. The United followed that up with a 3-1 win over Libby. The Rapid goal came on a free kick following a penalty from just 10 yards out.

After giving up the goal, Havre went back to being miserly, shutting out a very good Glacier United squad 5-0.

Goalkeepers Shilo Barrett and Frank Lippy along with defensive backs Drew Ita, Taylor Ita, Jase Madsen and Kris Cote all contributed to Havre's solid defensive success.

Offensively, the United displayed an unselfish, balanced scoring attack, with Bruce Beecher and Eric Olson scoring several goals.

Other team members include: Allen Granlund, Ryan Keeley, Levi Hutton, Isaac Hutton, Andy Keim, Jordan Hagen, Chris Owens, Scot Geda and Tyler Myers.

This United U-16 team was made up of players from both of the high school U-16 and Big Sky teams, and for several players it was their third state title in four years.

The United were coached by John Ita, assisted by Tim Hagen.