Bulldog boys blank Bears

| October 9, 2013 7:00 AM

MOSCOW — A strong second half and another stingy defensive effort led Sandpoint to a 2-0 win over Moscow in 4A Inland Empire League soccer on Tuesday in Moscow.

Jeremiah Gagnon scored from 18 yards out on a volley after a nice pass from Joab Logan early in the second half for the first goal of the game, and Matthew Burgstahler finished a nice through ball from Nick Rappaport in the 60th minute for an insurance goal.

The Bulldogs (11-2-1, 4-0 4A IEL) once again were a brick wall on defense, as Jake Rookey picked up his ninth shutout of the season with the help of defenders Aaron Crossingham, Zach Couch, Jared Cooper, Christian Cook and Nathan Schwartz. Moscow (5-8-1, 1-2 4A IEL) managed just two shots on goal.

“We were rock solid in the back. They’re shutting things down back there,” said Bulldogs head coach Adam Tajan. “We came out firing in the second half. Those were two great goals.”

The streaking Bulldogs, unbeaten in the past 11 games, wrap up the regular season on Thursday at Lake City.

First half — None. Second half — 1, Spt, Jeremiah Gagnon (Joab Logan), 41:00. 2, Spt, Matthew Burgstahler (Nick Rappaport), 50:00.

Shots on goal — Spt 9, Mos 2.

Saves — Spt, Jake Rookey, 2; Mos, Nick Anderton, 6.