Cal Weisen scores game-winning goal to lift Billings Central boys soccer to state title

Cal Weisen scored a goal in stoppage time to lead Billings Central to a 1-0 victory over Whitefish in the Class A boys state soccer championship on Saturday afternoon at Amend Park, securing the Rams’ third state title in program history. The goal came off a pass from Holden Guenthner, with Weisen finishing the play as seconds remained in stoppage time.

The win marks Billings Central’s second state championship in three seasons, following a 2024 victory over Whitefish. The teams had met in the state title game three times in four years, with Whitefish winning in 2023 and the Rams reclaiming the title in 2024. Both squads struggled to score in the first half, with Whitefish goalkeeper Ben Nelson making several key saves to keep the game scoreless. In the second half, Billings Central controlled possession but failed to capitalize until Weisen’s decisive strike.

Cal Weisen scores game-winning goal to lift Billings Central boys soccer to state title

A Defining Moment in Stoppage Time

Weisen described the goal as a culmination of his team’s preparation, stating, “I put it in for my seniors… there is nothing stopping us.” The sophomore emphasized the emotional weight of the victory, calling it “surreal” and noting the crowd’s reaction. The Rams’ head coach, Bilechi Sumaili, said the team had planned to avoid overtime, declaring, “We are going to whoop them and it’s going to be in regulation.”

A Rivalry Renewed

Whitefish finished as state runners-up for the second straight year. The Rams’ third state title includes a 2009 victory over Whitefish. The game's tight defensive play and late goal highlighted the intensity of the rivalry, with both teams battling for supremacy in Class A soccer.

Cal Weisen scores game-winning goal to lift Billings Central boys soccer to state title — Photo: swxlocalsports.com

What remains unclear is whether Whitefish’s recent struggles against Billings Central will persist, or if the Bulldogs can break their title drought in future matchups.