Green Monarchs prove one of Pend Oreille Cup highlights

SANDPOINT — Soccer fans were treated to an exciting, festive exhibition game last Saturday evening under the lights at War Memorial Field. The pitch was wet and played fast, adding to the Monarchs advantage. The decade old rivalry pitted Spokane/CDA powerhouse Tizoc Warriors versus Sandpoint’s Green Monarchs. Signifying their loyalty to Sandpoint soccer, the Monarchs wore red jerseys.

In the first 20 minutes, Sandpoint’s midfield and defensive line delivered over a half dozen perfect through balls but Monarch shooters just could not beat NIC alum Justin Johnson, the extraordinary Tizoc goalie, who swatted away and pounced on shots all night, displaying cougar-like agility. Two early Monarch goals were called back due to overly physical aerial play by Sandpoint’s Michael Brewer (SHS 2005) and Ben Murray (SHS 2009, Occidental alum).

In the 22nd minute, the Monarchs made two key substitutions in Anthony Fox (SHS 2012) and Travis Smith (SHS 2004). Smith immediately delivered a far post cross resulting in a Fox header, putting the Monarchs ahead 1–0. Riding the wave of emotion, the Monarchs increased the pressure. Green Monarch veteran midfielder Conner Baranski broke the game open, selflessly slotting a pass to Fox who tallied his second tactical goal.

While the two teams continued the good show in the second half, the Monarch’s offense was slow to adjust its strategy, and was caught offside numerous times. The ceaselessly entertaining and usually solid Monarchs backline kept keeper Dustin Pilcher from breaking a sweat, by sculpting the Tizoc counter attacks into predictable, nonthreatening one versus twos or threes.  

The 2013 Monarch roster addition ‘Brazilian’ Elliot Fauske put on a clinic all game at midfield for the Monarchs, showing finesse and composure, and providing the assist on the Monarch’s 3rd goal.  The always dangerous striker and Seattle University alum Mikey Ramos laced the 3rd and final goal, sealing the 3 – 0 win, capping the Monarchs’ perfect 2013 summer season. 

GMFC management announce Fox has been transferred from conditional to permanent status, also announcing two open roster positions on the Grey Monarchs masters team, as players placed on waivers.