Anderson to play soccer at Cal State Stanislaus

SANDPOINT — After tearing up the Inland Empire League for four years, Sandpoint soccer standout Daniel Anderson will take his game to the collegiate level, recently signing to play soccer next season at Cal State Stanislaus.

The liberal arts university in Turlock has one of the top Division II soccer programs in the nation, and Anderson hopes his high-scoring ways can continue in college.

“The whole town of about 70,000 supports the soccer team and the facilities are the nicest I’ve seen,” said Anderson, who plans to major in business, on what led to his choice. “I’ll be fighting for a starting spot right away.”

Anderson was MVP of the Inland Empire League as a junior and senior, and played on three state championship teams at Sandpoint as a four-year starter. He feels beating defenders one-on-one is the biggest strength of his game.

As a senior he was named to the National Soccer Coaches Association of America All-Region VII team (far west), and was recently one of five Idaho players on an ESPN RISE list of soccer recruits.

“He’s a game-changer and a special player,” said Sandpoint head coach Randy Thoreson. “He has the natural assets to make it happen.”

Anderson scored 19 goals to go with 11 assists last year, and along with Thoreson was placed on the ballot for the upcoming North Idaho Sports Banquet as high school athlete and coach of the year, respectively.

After using his size and physicality to dominate opponents in the IEL, he knows the game will step up a considerable notch in college. California is a hotbed for soccer, not unlike Sandpoint, and Anderson is ready for the challenge that awaits.

“I’m looking forward to getting better,” he said.

Coming from one of the best players in the state, that’s a scary thought.