On October 15th & 16th, the Helena Youth Soccer Association (HYSA) hosted the 5th annual Sleeping Giant Soccer Classic Tournament.  Our tournament concludes Montana's fall season of competitive club soccer.

87 club teams from across Montana participated in competitive matches with players ranging in age from 9 years old to 15 years old.  Over 2,000 players competed in three Helena area field venues for Championships.

Three HYSA teams were crowned Champions:

• Arsenal Academy U11 Boys
• Arsenal 2005/U13 Girls
• Arsenal U14 Girls

The Helena Arsenal Academy U11Boys team coached by Glen Wall claimed their Championship to cap a winning season.  Throughout the Fall Season, the team collectively scored 86 goals in 16 games with a record of 12-2 vs u11 teams and 12-4 overall.  With sharing the ball around on offense, the team had 14 of 18 players score this year.

The Helena Arsenal 2005/U13 Girls team coached by Jamul Hahn and Sean Lawlor (in absentia), defeated three different Billings Edge teams en route to their championship finish with a 3-0-1 record.

Paving their way to the title game, they tied Billings Edge Crossfire (2-2), and earned victories against Billings Edge SA 406 Elite (1-0) and Billings Edge Crushers (2-0). The Championship was a re-match with Crossfire and Arsenal came out on top 1-0.

The team’s goalies Morgan Kaufman and Madison Burda had an exceptional weekend posting three shutouts. The defensive line was rock solid as well, spearheaded by Lauren Hoxie, Sydney Emmons, Brooklyn Brisko, and Ashley Cortez. The midfield shut down a lot of opposing attacks and was led by Tess Lawlor (3 goals/1 assist), Josie Esponda, Molli Soper, Morgan Hayes and Natell Goodman. Passing among the front line was spectacular this weekend showcased by Avery Kraft (1 goal), Astri Hahn (1 goal), Logan Todorovich (1 goal), Madi Todorovich (2 assists), Isabelle Linder, Kaidyn Dolezal and Lina Pescosolido. After a significant number of second place finishes, the team was delighted to be finally bringing home the Championship trophy on our home turf !

The Helena Arsenal U14 Girls, coached by Michele Zentz and Joe Vranka and managed by Samantha Mongoven, defeated four teams while advancing through the playoffs to take the Championship Title.

In total, the Arsenal girls outscored their opponents 18-2. In the first game Helena beat Bozeman Blizz White 3-0 with goals scored by Lillian Danzer, Emerson Grafton, and Charli Grafton. Goalies were Payton Mongoven, Emma Wilson, and Jaelyn Dwyer. The second game was against Great Falls MT Rush. The girls won with a score of 2-0 on goals by McCoy Vranka and then on a cross by Odessa Zentz to Lillian Danzer.

On Championship Sunday the girls began the day by defeating Whitefish Flathead Rapids 3-1. Payton Mongoven continued her unbeaten streak as goalkeeper, aided by goals from Brogan Vranka, Danzer, and Emerson Grafton. Game 4 was against Kalispell Flathead Force. Brogan Vranka kept up her exceptional weekend of scoring with 3 goals, Emma Wilson scored twice and Elsa Grebenc added another. Goalkeeping was shared by Charli Grafton, Camryn Mosness, Kaiya Newby, and Lillian Danzer. The final score was 6-0. The Championship game was against Great Falls MT Rush and once again Arsenal had a strong defense and abundant scoring with Payton Mongoven making several saves as goalkeeper. Emerson Grafton had a hat trick, and Lillian Danzer scored again off an assist by McCoy Vranka. The final was 4-1. Additional offensive power was provided by Riley Walsh, as well as bench support from the injured Hannah Martin.