Bulldogs blank Knights in state opener
IDAHO FALLS — It’s one down, two to go for the Sandpoint boys soccer team, as four different players scored goals to lead the Bulldogs to a 4-0 blanking of Bishop Kelly on Thursday during the opener of the 4A state tournament in Idaho Falls.
The Bulldogs (12-5-2) were sharp from the outset, conquering the nerves that can plague a team under the pressure of state.
“We were focused and fired up today, and got better and better as the game went along,” said Bulldogs head coach Adam Tajan. “It was a total team effort, and we kept each other focused.”
After controlling possession for most of the first half, the Bulldogs finally got on the board in the 37th minute when Anthony Fox laid a ball off at the top of the box, and Matthew Burgstahler blasted it in from 18 yards out to draw first blood.
“It was a prime time score right before the end of the half,” said Tajan. “It really deflated them (Knights).”
Joab Logan added the second goal after finishing one of Treavor Franck’s two assists on the game, Jeremiah Gagnon headed in a cross from Ash Dills and Logan Broehl scored his first goal of the season to cap a 15 minute span that saw three goals.
“I liked the variety on the stat page,” said Tajan, lauding the play of Logan in the attack. “Joab was a handful all game going at their back line.”
Defenders Jeff Rokstad, Zach Couch, Hunter King, Matthew Burgstahler and Nathan Schwartz were solid in the back third, helping Austin Keyes and Jake Rookey, who played the final 20 minutes, post the combined shutout in goal.
“Austin was good on balls in the air,” described Tajan. “All of the back four guys were really organized, and Austin was never really tested.”
The Bulldogs face Wood River (13-1-4) today in the semis after Wolverines upset defending champion Blackfoot 1-0 in the first round.
Tajan said the Wolverines have a couple of fast and dangerous players up top, and it will be key to shut them down.
“We need more of the same, emphasizing that theme of getting this done together,” he said. “Getting better every game with no let down.”
The Bulldogs and Wolverines kick things off today at 1 p.m. (PST) in Idaho Falls.
First half — 1, Spt, Matthew Burgstahler (Anthony Fox), 37:00. Second half — 2, Spt, Joab Logan (Treavor Franck), 55:00. 3, Spt, Jeremiah Gagnon (Ash Dills), 61:00. 4, Spt, Logan Broehl (Franck), 70:00.
Shots on goal — Spt 14, BK 10.
Saves — Spt, Austin Keyes 4, Jake Rookey 2; Bishop Kelly, 6.