STATE 6A GIRLS SOCCER CHAMPIONSHIP: T-Wolves fall short of fourth title in program history
Courtesy photo The Lake City girls soccer team finished runner-up in the state 6A tournament, which concluded on Saturday at Hillcrest High in Ammon. In the back row, from left are assistant coach Jake Anderson, head coach Matt Ruchti, Ava Roberts, Lila Moreau, Addy Kerley, Ryann Blair, Constance Ovendale, Olivia Smith, Phinalley Voigt, Nell Hutchins, Kate Keaggy, Elle Sousley, Adelynn Blessing, Katie Kovatch, assistant coach Laura Tolzman and assistant coach Nicole Medeiros. In the bottom row are Presley Moreau, Cate Storey, Sami Leaverton, Tayla Ruchti, Savvy Spencer, Riley Brazle, Makaela…
AMMON — In a showdown of the top two teams in the state, the slightest window could be the difference between a win and a loss.
Unfortunately, that window closed on the second-seeded Lake City Timberwolves on Saturday night.
Timberline sophomore Harper Brandt played a deflection in a crowded penalty box for the lone goal of the match as the top-seeded Wolves of Boise beat the Timberwolves 1-0 in double overtime in the state 6A girls championship match at Hillcrest High.
"We just watched the video, and it doesn't sit well with the team," Lake City coach Matt Ruchti said. "We thought she was offside, and the video confirms it. But it is what it is. They're the No. 1 team in the state and we took them to the last six minutes of overtime. We had a handful of opportunities but couldn't finish. I couldn't be more proud of what this team has done."
Lake City, in the title game for the sixth time, and first since winning the 5A title in 2021, was seeking its fourth championship in program history, also winning in 2012 and 2016. Lake City was also runner-up in 2015.
"This group, with the seniors that are moving on and those younger kids, our expectations never change," Ruchti said. "We expect to be in these types of games. Our players came out and achieved everything they wanted to achieve. I have no doubt that if that game got into PKs, we win that game."
It is the second straight title, and fourth overall, for Timberline, which beat Lake City 3-1 on Aug. 28 in Coeur d'Alene. The Wolves also won back-to-back titles in 2007 and 2008.
Ruchti, in his 24th season as coach, has brought home 11 state trophies, including three third-place finishes.
"I don't think there's a better program in the state than this one at Lake City High," Ruchti said. "We're a soccer school and we love it that way. I'm the benefactor of having great kids with character. I just get to go along with them for the ride. The sustainability we have, and we've got a cupboard full of them coming in, is great. A bunch of them were on this trip and they understood what it's about and are excited to get back to work."
First half — none. Second half — none. First overtime — none. Second overtime — 1, TL, Harper Brandt (unassisted), 94:00.
Shots on goal — LC 7, TL 17.
Saves — LC, Savvy Spencer 16; TL, unknown 6.