Sundquist shutout sends Bulldogs past Timberwolves

SANDPOINT — Playing aggressively and making smart decisions, Sandpoint goalie Makayla Sundquist notched a well-earned shutout, leading the Bulldogs to a 1-0 blanking of the Timberwolves in nonleague girls soccer on Tuesday at Centennial Field.

Sundquist registered seven saves in posting her fourth shutout on the year, many on sliding challenges way out in front of the goal, as the Bulldogs (6-2-3) picked up the win in a game that easily could have gone either way.

“I didn’t feel like we played particularly well, but we got the shutout,” said Bulldogs head coach Conor Baranski, praising the play of Sundquist between the pipes. “It wasn’t so much saves as it was reading the game and coming out on through balls. She deserved the shutout.”

Meghan Pagano scored the game-winning goal, finishing a deft pass from Kaylee Kiebert in the 58th minute. Defender Corinne Ariss was also instrumental in the shutout, leaping into the goal for a kick save on what looked to be a sure equalizer from the Timberwolves (2-5-3), who created several nice chances on long through balls.

“We were better than they were today. Their opportunities came from our mistakes,” said Lake City coach Matt Ruchti, who also felt Sundquist was the difference. “She made a lot of great saves and a lot of good decisions.”

Sandpoint hosts Coeur d’Alene on Thursday.

First half — None. Second half — 1, Spt, Meghan Pagano (Kaylee Kiebert), 58:00.

Shots on goal — LC 8, Spt 9.

Saves — LC, Tiegan Horton, 6; Spt, Makayla Sundquist, 7.