Bulldogs one win away from repeat

MERIDIAN — Brandon Eddy continued his torrid tournament play, scoring two goals as the Bulldogs beat Pocatello 3-1 Friday afternoon at the Boise Capital Soccer Complex.

The win sets up a state final with Skyview (15-1-3) of Nampa, a 4-2 winner over Burley in the other semifinal, as the Bulldogs look to defend their state title today at 11:15 a.m.

The Bulldogs (18-1-2) were not as sharp as they were against Nampa on Thursday, but avoided a classic pratfall game as Chase Lowther recorded his second header of the tournament to seal the game for the Bulldogs.

"Pocatello (11-6-2) was not as good as Nampa; we played with heavy legs and weren't as mentally focused," said coach Randy Thoreson. "Nampa was like a state title game for both teams. After one of those you're physically and mentally exhausted, but that's tournament play."

Eddy scored the first goal of the game on a penalty kick, after Michael Brewer had his legs taken out by a Pocatello player right in front of the goal. The first half ended with the Bulldogs leading 1-0.

Sandpoint struck early in the second half when RJ Dixon's rocket from 20 yards out hit the top of the goal post and Chase Lowther happened to be in the right place and the right time.

"Chase went up and air-dogged it," said Thoreson of his senior, who returned for state after missing two weeks with an ankle sprain. "It was vintage Chase Lowther."

Pocatello cut the lead to one when Sandpoint miss-hit two clearing balls and gave away a gift goal. Three minutes later the Bulldogs iced the game when Kyle Van Dyk bent a free kick from 40 yards that Eddy headed past the goalie for his third goal of the tournament.

After avenging their only loss of the season by beating Nampa on Thursday, the Bulldogs take on the other Nampa area high school, Skyview, who was 1-1-1 against Nampa this season. Thoreson says his team won't have a problem getting up for Skyview.

"I'll tell them to relax, play with controlled intensity and have some fun," said Thoreson. "I'm so proud of these guys; we'll play with heart and hopefully the best team wins."

First half — 1, Spt, Brandon Eddy (penalty kick) 25:00.

Second half — 2, Spt, Chase Lowther (RJ Dixon) 49:00. 3, Poc, Unknown 56:00. 4, Spt, Eddy (Kyle Van Dyk) 59:00.

Shots on goal — Spt 26, Poc 5.

Saves — Spt, Seth Baker 3, Poc 5.