Post Falls notches historic win over Bulldogs

SANDPOINT — It was a historic 1-0 win for Post Falls, replete with a Gatorade bath for their coach, as the Trojans beat Sandpoint for the first time ever Tuesday afternoon at War Memorial Field.

The only score of the game came in the 43rd minute, when Corbin Loutsis scored on a penalty kick.

"It feels good," said a soaked and happy Trojans' coach Gabe Lawson. "I'd rather not win on a PK, but we'll take it any way we can get it against Sandpoint."

For the Bulldogs (1-7-2, 1-3-2) it's been a brutally tough season for a program conditioned to success. It was yet another tough loss for coach Randy Thoreson and the youngish Bulldogs.

"We're making a lot of peoples' seasons this year," he said, noting this is the third team that has won their first-ever game against Sandpoint this season. "We didn't play well, period. Psychologically, we need a tune-up."

The penalty kick was awarded when a Trojan player went up high for a header and got clipped in the back. The Bulldogs had a couple of chances to tie the game, including a breakaway shot by Tanner French that sailed over the crossbar with three minutes remaining.

For Post Falls (3-1-1, 3-1-1) and coach Lawson, the game signified the achievement of a four-year goal to get their program on par with Sandpoint's.

"Four years ago, when I took over, it was literally 'try not to have 10 goals scored against us," said Lawson of his team's early matchups with the state championship Bulldog squads. "Coming in, we were confident we could beat them."

For Thoreson and the Bulldogs, it's back to the drawing board as some of their injured players are returning and trying to round into form.

"It's been tough on the vets and tough on the new guys," he said. "We've got a lot of people in strange positions and that's psychologically disconcerting. Hopefully we can turn it around and make something happen."

The Bulldogs play Nampa on Saturday.

First half — none. Second half — 1, PF, Corbin Loutsis, penalty kick.

Shots on goal — PF 7, Spt 14.

Saves — PF, Justin Johnson 5; Spt, Ryan Williams 2.

? The Bulldogs had a decent showing in Boise last Saturday, falling to 5A power Centennial 1-0, and dropping a game to Timberline 3-1. They were tied with Timberline before two own goals in the last three minutes seasled their fate. Both school will contend for the 5A state title.