Late goals cap Bulldog win over Timberwolves

SANDPOINT — For nearly 70 minutes, it looked like Lake City was destined for a 1-0 win, before a deluge of late goals propelled Sandpoint to a 4-1 win in nonleague boys soccer on Tuesday at Pine St. Field.

Lake City (5-1-1) took an early 1-0 lead when Ryan Swallow converted a penalty kick in the sixth minute after a hand ball, the first goal scored against Sandpoint in six games.

Sandpoint (7-2) could not convert on several chances for the next 60 minutes, as Lake City goalie Tanner Horton made several great saves to preserve the lead. Kyle Stanley finally broke through for the Bulldogs, beating a defender with a slick move and blasting the equalizer, the first of four goals in a 12 minute span to close the game.

“Kyle kicked us off with that side net finish. That got things rolling when we found the back of the net,” said Bulldogs head coach Adam Tajan. “I’m impressed how we stayed mentally tough and believed.”

Matthew Burgstahler made a hustling run and scored the go ahead goal five minutes later, upon which time Horton left the game with a concussion.

“We had a great game until he got a concussion,” said Lake City coach Chad Beadell. “A kid stopped late as Tanner was diving and he got a knee to the dome.”

Jeremiah Gagnon blasted in a free kick from 30 yards out and Christian Cook added another goal to cap the scoring barrage. The back four of Aaron Crossingham, Nathan Schwartz, Zach Couch and Jared Cooper continue to be stingy and organized, keying a six game win streak for the state champs.

“That’s the only goal they’ve given up in six games,” said Tajan of the penalty kick, as Kyle Hertel was solid in goal as a replacement for Jake Rookey, who was ill. “Aaron playing in the back has changed everything and brought confidence to the back line.”

Sandpoint will host Coeur d’Alene on Thursday, looking to avenge a 3-0 loss earlier in the season.

First half — 1, LC, Ryan Swallow, penalty kick, 6:00. Second half — 2, Spt, Kyle Stanley (Treavor Franck), 69:00. 3, Spt, Matthew Burgstahler (Aaron Crossingham), 74:00. 4, Spt, Jeremiah Gagnon, penalty kick, 78:00. 5, Spt, Christian Cook (Joab Logan), 80:00.

Shots on goal — LC 4, Spt 13.

Saves — LC, Tanner Horton 7, Jared Stone 2; Spt, Kyle Hertel 3.