Bulldog girls suffer tough loss

MERIDIAN — The Sandpoint girls played some of their best soccer of the season Thursday afternoon at the Boise Capital Soccer Complex, but in the sometimes tenuous nature of the sport, that doesn't always mean a win as they fell to Century 2-0 in the opening round of the state tournament.

"The first half was a half you dream about; fast, crisp, and we executed what we worked on all season," said coach Ed Bock. "We dominated possession, I think they got out of their half of the field maybe once or twice."

The Bulldogs (12-6-3) had some good looks, but couldn't score as the first half ended 0-0. Century took the lead a minute into the second half when Elizabeth Wahl scalded a ball that Bulldog keeper Sarah Krabacher never had a chance to stop, placing it in the upper left corner of the goal.

"You see about one of those shots a year," said Bock.

Century (18-0-2) scored again in the 75th minute, making the most of their minimal chances, by slotting another crisp goal that Krabacher never had a chance at.

"We possessed the whole game, and everyone left everything out on the field," said Krabacher. "I can see how they've won all their games; they're great finishers."

"We played with such heart; it was probably our best game of the season," said senior Kaela Wohlschlager. "We were really unlucky that we didn't make our opportunities."

It was a tough draw for a team that has won four of the last five 4A state championships, but such is life when northern schools head down south.

"It makes no sense to put the defending state champions against an undefeated team in the first round," said Bock. "It's frustrating to play that well and not get a victory."

The Bulldogs play Emmett (12-8-3) in a loser out game today at 11:15 a.m. There will be no quit in Sandpoint.

"We always play with heart," said Bock. "We'll be ready to go tomorrow."

First half — none

Second half — 1, Cen, Elizabeth Wahl (unassisted) 46:00. 2, Cen, Rebecca Fort (unassisted) 75:00.

Shots on goal — San 12, Cen 6.

Saves — San, Sarah Krabacher 5, Cen, Megan Sorrenson 6.