Hi-Line United hit their home pitch

The Hi-Line United U19 soccer program is nearing the end of the 2014 season, and while the season has gone up and down at times, the goal is till another state title.

Currently the United sits at 4-4-1 in the division but is preparing for two home games this weekend, hopefully picking up two more wins, as well as some momentum for the rapidly approaching state tournament in Billings. Saturday the United will host Big Timber and Sidney at the Havre High School soccer fields. The United will first face the Big Timber Wolves; last year’s state champions at 11 a.m., followed by the Sidney Strikers, last year’s state runner-ups at 5 p.m.

The State tournament will begin next Friday in Billings, and the United already know they will face Big Timber and Laurel to open up the post season. Depending on how the United do next Friday will determine who they play Saturday and even Sunday.

“We have had quite the roller coaster of a season,” Hi-Line United head coach Briayan Flores said. “We have had to deal with many injuries and obstacles, but I am thrilled to say that the team is coming together in a positive and strong manner at the perfect time. The season has been very tight and unpredictable with every team in our division. Every team is evenly matched which has made for some incredible and exciting weekends. State will be the most intriguing this year, as it will be a tournament that has no favorites, and the crown will go to the best team that specific weekend."

Captains Elijah David, Kiana Robertson, Angelo Flores, Brandon Robertson, Sean Dugdale and Troy Mord have led the United squad all season long, and give the United a solid group of experienced and athletic soccer players. But unfortunately for this year’s squad, they will be without Mord, as well as Karina Partido for the remainder of the season. Coach Flores said the team has already stepped up and rallied behind the key losses.

Trey Scofield has become a major contributor to the United program this season, and has become one of the teams go to strikers in the offensive attack. Mitchell Woods is also becoming quite the player for coach Flores in his first season, and is coming off of a weeknd where he scored two goals from beyond the 18. Spencer Obressley also ads to the young talent that has emerged at the right time this season.

A win, or even two wins would be a big momentum boost for the United Saturday. Last weekend they defeated Miles City 4-0, but lost to Sidney 4-2. If the defense can make some stops this weekend, and the offense can continue to find ways to score, they should be able to find success Saturday and through the state weekend.

“Overall, the whole team is improving and awaiting anxiously for state as the season is preparation for the big weekend,” Flores said. “The team has been training since November 1 of last year and it shows. Our team has conditioned and trained extensively for a little over seven months now and the level of desire, commitment, and pride United players have shown is second to none. These kids have poured everything into this season and we expect to see the results at state.”

Saturday the United will face the Wolves at 11 a.m., followed by the Strikers at 5 p.m. Both games will be played at the Havre High School soccer fields.