Bulldogs suffer hard luck tie with Bears

MOSCOW — Two penalty kick goals by Moscow on disputed calls proved the difference, as the Bulldogs tied the Bears 4-4 in 4A Inland Empire League girls soccer action Tuesday in Moscow.

Meghan Pagano scored twice to lead Sandpoint (4-6-5, 1-1-1 4A IEL), with Sydney Morris and Nichole Pagano also finding the back of the net in a game that featured plenty of offense, including six goals in a wild first half.

“We knew going down it’s a tough game because of the rivalry. It was a difficult game with the controversial calls,” said Sandpoint head coach Julie Pitre, who feels her team is more skilled than the Bears. “Meghan Pagano capitalized on two breakaways. She was able to compose herself and hit it on frame.”

Sandpoint goalies Hannah Griesemer and Bailey Scrimsher combined for 11 saves, while the two teams combined for an almost unheard of 43 shots on goal.

Sandpoint hosts Lakeland on Saturday, while the Bears (2-0-1 4A IEL) hold the inside edge to hosting districts.

First half — 1, Mos, Mossman, 7:28. 2, Spt, Sydney Morris (Melinda Van Dyk), 11:00. 3, Spt, Meghan Pagano (unassisted), 11:35. 4, Mos, Blum (penalty kick), 31:15. 5, Mos, No. 9, 32:50. 6, Spt, Nichole Pagano (Ellie Engel), 33:45.

Second half — 7, Mos, Blum (penalty kick), 58:38. 8, Spt, M. Pagano (unassisted), 76:00.

Shots on goal — Spt 21, Mos 22.

Saves — Spt, Bailey Scrimsher and Hannah Griesemer, 11; Moscow, 8.