Blackhawks open title defense with loss and tie

The Cheney boys' soccer team opened their non-league schedule against the Greater Spokane League 4A schools with a loss and a tie.

The Blackhawks opened with a 4-0 loss Saturday to Ferris at the Dwight Merkel Sports Complex in Spokane. Cheney was out shot 14-1 by a Saxons team that won the GSL title last year before being ousted in the state quarterfinals by Union. Blackhawks goalkeeper Kam Galm had three saves.

Cheney had better luck Monday evening at Gonzaga Prep. Senior Micah Weller got Cheney's first score of the season with an unassisted goal in the sixth minute, and tied the game at 2 on a penalty kick in the 59th minute. Neither team managed a score after that, although the Blackhawks did find their offense by out shooting the Bullpups 13-3.

Cheney continued its busy schedule to open the season by hosting Deer Park in the Great Northern League opener for both teams Tuesday. The Stags lost their season opener 4-0 to Northeast A Riverside.

It's the third game for the Blackhawks in a stretch of six games in 10 days as they try to do something no Cheney soccer team has done before- defend a state title. Cheney won its first 2A crown by edging Tyee 2-1 last May.

John McCallum can be reached at [email protected].