Bulldogs claim IEL championship title

SANDPOINT - Having been upset by Moscow 1-0 last year in the district tournament and suffering its lone loss this season 1-0 to the same Bears, the odds of the Inland Empire League champion Sandpoint boys soccer team taking its 4A North soccer rival lightly were slim and none - and slim left War Memorial Field early Thursday afternoon.

Sandpoint attacked early and often, getting goals from Daniel Anderson, Spencer Swerin and Adam Crossingham to defeat Moscow 3-1 in the 4A Region 1 championship game and securing the lone 4A North state berth.

"After last year, we don't take anything lightly anymore," said Sandpoint head coach Randy Thoreson. "We kept the pressure on the whole game. If we get up one or two we've got to keep pushing; that's what got us here."

Daniel Anderson got the Bulldogs (16-1) on the board first in the 14th minute, putting a slick move on the Moscow defender and sliding in his 16th goal at a seemingly impossible angle from the right side. It would be the lone first half goal, despite Sandpoint generating numerous quality chances.

Swerin got an insurance goal to put Sandpoint up 2-0 in the 50th minute, making a quick move and blasting in a shot after a string of crisp passes, including the final assist from Adam Crossingham.

Taylor Anderton got Moscow (11-4-2) on the board six minutes later when Sandpoint keeper Shawnn Carlson came out aggressively on a free ball, sliding into Anderton, who managed to loft the ball over Carlson and bring the game to within a goal at 2-1. Moscow nearly got the equalizer shortly thereafter, but Carlson dove for a one-handed save on a point blank look in front of the net.

Moscow coach Jared Vreeland felt his team didn't match the Bullodgs' intensity to start the game, but liked that they had a chance to tie late in the game.

"Once we decided to match their work rate we were able to get back in it," said Vreeland, lamenting that only one of the teams gets a shot at state. "These are two of the best teams in the state. Both teams could go to state and win it."

After numerous quality runs and near misses at left forward, Crossingham finally found the back of the net for his 14th goal on the season, providing the final insurance goal in the 72nd minute.

Thoreson isn't sure what to expect when the 4A state tournament begins Thursday in Southern Idaho, but he knows the loser out nature will provide plenty of intense drama.

"One shot - that's tense stuff, it's easy to tighten up and choke," said Thoreson of state. "This is a great group of kids. I'm looking forward to getting back down there."

First half - 1, Spt, Daniel Anderson (Jansen Rinck), 14:00. Second half - 1, Spt, Spencer Swerin (Adam Crossingham), 50:00. 3, Mos, Taylor Anderton (Nico Sanchez), 56:00. 4, Spt, Crossingham (Ben Murray), 72:00.

Shots on goal - Mos 4, Spt 9.

Saves - Mos, Stephen Gressard 5; Spt, Shawnn Carlson 4.