Hawks notch league win over Bulldogs

SANDPOINT — Lakeland was able to capitalize on a couple of defensive miscues by Sandpoint, grabbing a 2-1 win in the 4A North opener for both teams Tuesday night at War Memorial Field.

Anthony Fox scored his ninth goal of the season just four minutes into the game, giving the Bulldogs (6-3, 0-1 4A IEL) a 1-0 lead, which stood up until the half.

Alex Opland took advantage of a defensive miscue in the 45th minute, scoring the equalizer when he had a free run in front of the goal and beat the keeper one-on-one.

Opland would score the go-ahead goal 15 minutes later on a penalty kick after a Lakeland player was held in the box. Lakeland (3-3-1, 1-0 4A IEL) keeper Cade Coffey made the lead stand up with several saves as Sandpoint created a bunch of good looks down the stretch.

“We came out flat in the first five minutes, and it took a goal against us to wake us up,” said Lakeland coach Andrew Craig.

Sandpoint controlled possession throughout the game, and held a 13-5 edge in shots, but ultimately it was a couple of costly mistakes in the back third that proved the difference.

“They (Hawks) capitalized on opportunities, and hats off to them for that,” said Bulldogs head coach Adam Tajan, who liked the way his team created good looks in the attack. “We made life difficult for ourselves tonight. We were too casual in the back.”

Sandpoint will get a look at another league foe on Saturday in Moscow.

First half — 1, Spt, Anthony Fox (Jeremiah Gagnon), 4:00. Second half — 2, LL, Alex Opland (unassisted), 45:00. 3, LL, Opland (penalty kick), 60:00.

Shots on goal — LL 5, Spt 13.

Saves — LL, Cade Coffey, 10; Spt, Austin Keyes, 4.