Eddy leads Bulldogs past Nampa

MERIDIAN — The Sandpoint boys soccer team cleared a big hurdle on their quest to repeat as 4A state champions, beating Nampa 4-2 Thursday afternoon at the Boise Capital Soccer Complex.

Brandon Eddy had a goal and two assists to help the Bulldogs avenge an early season loss to Nampa, their only defeat of he season.

"Brandon played probably his best game all year," said coach Randy Thoreson. "He picked a good time to be peaking."

The game was tighter than the score would indicate. The game was tied at 2-2 until Spencer Swerine beat two defenders and drilled a shot from the right side in the 75th minute. A minute later Eddy drilled one from the same spot — off the right goal post — to ice the game.

"We played really sound soccer," said Thoreson, who considered Nampa the toughest team in the 4A draw. "We moved the ball well, the combo play was excellent, and we had the composure to put the ball in the net."

Nampa had two players, the Dimbi cousins, who are trying out for the national team. Thoreson credited the solid defense of Michael Brewer, Kyle Van Dyk, Alex Crossingham and Gunnar Paulsen for helping to contain the duo. Nampa sent long balls to their forwards all game and the Bulldogs were able to limit their chances, out-shooting them 20-12.

"We had goals from four different players, which is a great thing," said Thoreson. "We weren't relying on one guy, which makes it tough for anyone scouting us."

Sandpoint (17-1-2) will play Pocatello (11-5-2), a 4-3 winner over Bonneville, on Friday at 11:15 a.m. The winner will play in the state championship on Saturday.

First half — 1, Nam, Frank Mondragon (unassisted) 10:00. 2, Spt, Michael Brewer (Brandon Eddy) 19:30. 3, Spt, Chase Lowther (Gunnar Paulsen) 23:40. 4, Nam, Jose Loza (Josh Hubbard) 45:00.

Second half — 5, Spt, Spencer Swerine (Eddy) 75:00. 6, Spt, Eddy (Luke Schramm) 76:00.

Shots on goal — Spt 20, Nam 12.

Saves — Spt, Seth Baker 4, Nam, Cesar Lira 10.