Bulldog take care of business for win

CALDWELL - Like they have all season, the Sandpoint boys took care of business in convincing fashion, blanking Hillcrest 4-0 in the opening round of the 4A state soccer championships at Brothers Park in Caldwell.

The win was a little bittersweet for the Bulldogs (16-1), who lost Adam Crossingham to a knee injury early in the game. Crossingham was taken down hard on a tackle and strained his MCL, perhaps ending his season. Senior Corey Hoffman replaced him and produced a goal and an assist at the left forward position.

"Corey Hoffman went in and just lit it up," said Thoreson, who is unsure if Crossingham will play again in this tournament. "It (Hoffman's play) took a little sting away, but you can't lose a kid like that (Crossingham)."

Tanner Williams had a goal and an assist, and seniors Tanner French and Spencer Swerin, both of whom received high praise from Thoreson, added a goal. Goalie Shawnn Carlson posted his 11th shutout of the season between the pipes.

"We took care of business and had possession most of the game," Thoreson said of the opening round win over Hillcrest (11-6), lamenting the fact his team missed numerous point blank looks and won't be able to get away with that in the games to come.

Sandpoint will face undefeated Jerome (18-0-1), a 6-0 winner over Middleton on Thursday, in the second round. A win today could set up a potential showdown with undefeated Skyview in the 4A championship, pitting arguably the two best teams in the entire state against each other.

But it's first things first, as Sandpoint plays Jerome today at 2 p.m. at Brothers Park.

First half - 1, Spt, Tanner Williams (Ben Murray), 17:00. 2, Spt, Tanner French (Daniel Anderson), 33:00. 3, Spt, Corey Hoffman (Williams), 38:00. Second half - 4, Spt, Spencer Swerin (Hoffman), 48:00.

Shots on goal - Spt 22, Hill 4.

Saves - Spt, Shawnn Carlson 3, Hillcrest 7.

 n Badger boys advance in 3A tournament

Bonners Ferry (13-4-3) beat Aberdeen 5-1 in the 3A state opener Thursday at Vallivue High School.

The Badgers face American Falls today.