SHS claims boys soccer IEL title

SANDPOINT - An Inland Empire League championship was on the line Tuesday night at War Memorial Field, but it was only part of what was driving the Sandpoint boys soccer team.

Long-time Bulldogs head coach Randy Thoreson had to leave for California early Tuesday morning after receiving word that his mother was gravely ill, and the Bulldog players wanted to win one for their coach.

Mission accomplished, as Spencer Swerin and Tanner Williams scored goals on Senior Night, leading Sandpoint to a 2-1 win over Lake City and securing the IEL championship.

"That was for our skipper," said assistant coach Paul Crossingham, who filled in as the interim head coach. "We were fired up because we wanted to win league, but mostly for our coach. We got a win for momma."

Swerin punched in a point blank look after a nice run by Daniel Anderson to put Sandpoint (15-1, 9-1 IEL) up 1-0 in the 36th minute. Tanner Williams added a key insurance goal four minutes into the second half when he blistered a ball at a sharp angle to the far post from about 30 yards out, his 11th goal of the year. Williams also picked up his 14th assist on Swerin's goal.

 Lake City (7-4-2, 7-2-1 IEL) drew to within 2-1 on an own goal in the 59th minute. Some solid saves by goalie Scott Fraser kept the game close, and some monster throw-ins to the front of the net by Jimmy Williamson nearly resulted in the equalizer for Lake City, which battled to the end.

"We never backed down," said Lake City coach Chad Beadell. "It was a physical game like always. We had some dangerous chances off throw-ins and should have put at least two away."

The win finished the regular season for Sandpoint, which now will look to get revenge on Moscow at districts.

First half - 1, Spt, Spencer Swerin (Tanner Williams), 36:00. Second half - 2, Spt, Williams (Daniel Anderson), 44:00. 3, LC, own goal, 59:00.

Shots on goal - LC 4, Spt 10.

Saves - LC, Scott Fraser 8; Spt, Shawnn Carlson 3.

n Hewitt lead Bulldogs over Timberwolves

COEUR d'ALENE - Lake City kept Bailey Hewitt in check for most of the match, but the Sandpoint senior striker got loose in the 14th minute to score the game's only goal and lead the Bulldogs (11-3-3, 7-0-2 IEL) past the Timberwolves at the Irma Anderl Soccer Complex.

"Bailey's one of the best players we've played against and eventually good players get one to go if they keep working at it," Lake City coach Matt Ruchti said. "I thought we controlled the second half. We just didn't score, which has been a real issue as of late."

The Timberwolves (5-4-6, 3-2-5 IEL), who have scored just two goals in their last eight matches, completed the regular season schedule and wait for the 5A Region 1 semifinals Oct. 11.

Sandpoint is at Coeur d'Alene on Thursday in a big match that could determine the IEL championship.

First half - 1, Bailey Hewitt (Brittany Oakley) 14:00. Second half - none.

Shots on goal - Spt 10, LC 6.

Saves - Spt, Kelsey Windju. 6. LC, Shannon Fraser, 10.

n Bulldogs JV team beats Lake City 2-0

The first goal came in the first minutes of the game with a pass from junior Connor Currie to sophmore Gerhardt Suppiger. The second goal came in the latter part of the second half with a sweet header by freshman Ryan Schwartz off a big cross by sophmore Peik Wahl.

Great defensive play by Stefan Groenhout, Tyler Brown, Colter Sigman and George Wood in goal.