Striker U17 boys punch ticket to Arizona tourney

The Sandpoint Strikers U17 boys team, coached by Paul Crossingham, played their best soccer of the season in  knocking off two of Boise’s top clubs to earn a birth at Far West Regionals in Phoenix, Ariz. Strikers has been Sandpoint’s hometown soccer club for more than 30 years and throughout its storied existence only a handful of teams have ever earned the chance to play at Far West Regionals. In the last eight years only one other Strikers team has earned a regional birth.

Sandpoint’s first game at State Cup was on Saturday morning against Super Nova FC (formerly know as the Boise Capitals). Strikers knocked off Nova 2-1. Tim Thoreson scored in the first half off an assisted by Raleigh Hanson.  Nova equalized midway through the second half. With 10 minutes left in the game Jeremiah Gagnon received a pass from Raleigh Hanson to score the winning goal. This win was enough to propel them into the semifinals against the top seeded Idaho Rush of Boise. The game was back and forth with both teams creating several scoring chances.

Finally, in the 75th minute, Anthony Fox was able to finish a nice through ball from Jeffrey Rokstad to give the Strikers a 1-0 lead. Another amazing performance by goalkeeper Jake Rookey and his “back four,” of Jeffery Rokstad, Hunter King, Ashlend Dills and Zach Couch, helped secure the score line which would advance Sandpoint into the State Championship match against the Boise Nationals.

On June 17, these boys will have the opportunity to travel to Phoenix, to represent not only Idaho, but also Sandpoint. Please help support these boys as they raise funds to pay for their trip to Phoenix; they are currently involved in numerous fundraising efforts.

Donations can be made at Panhandle State Bank to “Sandpoint Striker Boys 95.”

If you would like more information please call Sandpoint Soccer Association at 263-9116.