Bulldogs win battle of state champions

SANDPOINT — It was all Sandpoint in a matchup of reigning state soccer champions, as the 4A Bulldogs dispatched the 5A Trojans 2-0 on Tuesday in nonleague boys soccer at War Memorial Field.

Ash Dills scored a first half goal to give the Bulldogs (2-2-1) the early edge, then assisted on a Joab Logan header for the insurance goal in the second half, as the Bulldogs controlled possession and dominated the game. Logan returned from a hamstring injury to spark the Bulldogs, who played their most crisp and clean soccer of the young season.

Aaron Crossingham, Zach Couch and Matthew Burgstahler helped contain Post Falls scoring machine Timmy Mueller, limiting his touches and prohibiting the Trojans (3-1) from getting any quality looks on goal.

“We talked about how to defend him — not let him turn and deny him the ball,” said Bulldogs head coach Adam Tajan of containing arguably the top player in the state. “We needed this win. It’s important for these guys to realize how good they are.”

The Bulldogs won the majority of 50/50 balls, and moved the ball with precision, creating a variety of scoring chances. Trojans’ goalie Noah Gondo made several diving saves to keep the game close.

Sandpoint’s Jake Rookey picked up his first shutout of the season between the pipes.

Sandpoint hosts Bonners Ferry on Friday under the lights of War Memorial Field.

First half — 1, Spt, Ash Dills (Jeremiah Gagnon), 12:00. Second half — 2, Spt, Joab Logan (Dills), 68:00.

Shots on goal — PF 2, Spt 10.

Saves — PF, Noah Gondo 8; Spt, Jake Rookey, 2.