Timberline Boys soccer is one step closer to defending their state title.  The Wolves defeated Hillcrest High, from eastern Idaho, 5-1 on Thursday afternoon.  Before the game the boys found out they won the Academic State Championship for the 2^nd year in a row and 4^th time in the last 5 years.  This honor is given to the team with the highest accumulative GPA, and I believe says a lot about the character and work ethic of this soccer team. They put the time on the field and in their studies striving to be the best at all they do.  Congrats fellas!  Another notable acknowledgment was bestowed upon Leslie Fishburn for managing the team and the parents this season a job very few can do well.  Thanks Leslie.

The first game of state was exciting if you are a Timberline fan, they dominated from the first whistle scoring literally before a minute had ticked off the clock.  Senior Rowan Pierson played a through ball to Alain Murhula, who one touched a cross that ended up in the back of the net courtesy of Skyler Munroe.  Most of the first half was played on Hillcrest’s side of the field and it was only a matter of time before Timberline’s leading scorer Cole Fuller tallied another goal.   Midway through the first, Cole received a ball at the top of the penalty box and cracked a shot into the back of the net putting T-Line up 2-0.  Cole’s first half goal and Skyler’s beautiful free kick that found the back netting would be goals of the match if it not for Alain Murhula’s second half highlight.  Timberline started the second half up 3-0 with the same intensity as the first, and just like the first half the Wolves controlled the pace of the game.  The lone goal for Hillcrest came ten minutes into the second, when a questionable call was made awarding them a PK.  Parker Billings made an impressive save but the ball spun off his gloves and barely crossed the goal line before he could get to it again.  Timberline’s response came in the form of a finish from Alain Murhula that would have easily made ESPN’s top ten list.  The senior forward received the ball with his back to the goal with a Hillcrest defender right on his back. With a flick of his foot the ball was lofted back over his head, and the defenders, allowing Alain to turn and volley his own pass, ripping it into the upper V. 

Timberline continued to dictate the play as they utilized every player on their roster, all of which performed extremely well.  With 15 minutes left in the match Cole Fuller received a ball on the sideline proceeded to “turn and burn” right  passed the defender before laying a ball across the middle of the box to Alain who once again found the back of the net.

The Wolves 5-1 victory propels them into the semifinals against the only team to beat them this year, Centennial.  Friday at 2:00 on Eagle High’s field the Wolves play not only for a shot at another state title but to rectify the only blemish on their record! 

The Wolves student body showed up in force helping to cheer the boys to victory, I hope even more of you will come out and support the team today.

GO WOLVES!