Green Monarchs notch win at North Idaho Cup
SANDPOINT — The North Idaho Cup returned to War Memorial Field last Friday, featuring some of the top adult soccer players in Sandpoint. The premier event of the evening featured arch rivals the Green Monarchs of Sandpoint downing the Montana Rapids, of the greater Kalispell and Whitefish areas, 2-0.
Making up for their usual lack of fashionable attire, the Green Monarchs traded in their customary celtic green hoops, and unveiled the new, stylish Sandpoint Strikers uniform kits. Sporting the traditional, yet classy Sandpoint red, the Monarchs came out on fire, immediately placing tremendous pressure on the Rapids.
In the opening minute, under an intense Monarchs aerial attack on a long throw-in, the Rapids stumbled, and surrendered an own goal. Like in Colombia, the early setback proved fatal for the outgunned Montanans.
To add to the deep and talented Monarchs roster, young recruits were called up for some field time, including Raleigh Hanson, Jeremiah Gagnon, Anthony Fox and Joab Logan, all ex-Sandpoint standouts. The Monarchs also rostered three conditional recruits from the Seattle area, and welcomed Mike Pellicio, the new club director for the Sandpoint Soccer Association. Mike demonstrated adequate speed and technical ability in his Monarchs’ debut.
While Sandpoint’s Tanner Williams’s splendid goal was nullified by a questionable offsides call, the officials superbly handled the highly competitive and emotionally charged competition. Not unusual to the rivalry, the play was fast, collisions were brutal, tackles plentiful, and usually a bit late by the Rapids.
Emblematic of the World Cup festivities upon us, the War Memorial Field fan base adorned various team jerseys and had a fair number of hecklers and hooligans to boot.
The second goal of the game came off a 30 yard free kick by Evan McNeley, a deceptive low rocket of a shot into the far post side netting. Although appreciative of their 2 to 0 halftime lead, heartbreaking experience from the 2012 Northern Idaho Cup reminded the Green Monarchs that halftime leads are nothing but dangerous.
The second half proved scoreless as the Monarchs’ defensive back line absorbed the Rapids’ repetitive counter attacks, while the Monarch attackers time and again missed many scoring chances.
“Point blank shanks,” recalled a fan.
Without their even-keeled veteran midfielder Conor Baranski who is out of country, the Monarchs were not able to keep much midfield possession, and continually forced the ball unnecessarily forward, leading to turnovers and additional scoring chances for the Rapids. Preserving the shutout, two superb breakaway saves were made by ex- L.A. Galaxy and veteran Monarch keeper Vito.
The Green Monarchs look to carry the momentum north into the summer season pinnacle event, Kimberly B.C.’s 42nd annual Julyfest tournament, where the Monarchs look to defend their 2013 championship.
In the first game of the North Idaho Cup, Sandpoint’s men’s masters soccer team, the Gray Monarchs, battled rivals the Spokane Masters FC. The fast paced game was evenly matched, except for Spokane’s superior finishing, as the Gray Monarch suffered a 4-1 defeat. The Gray’s only goal came late, on a penalty kick earned and scored by hungry SHS-alum striker Brandon Eddy. SHS alum Alan Brinkmeyer tended lonesome net, mitigating damages.
Hopefully the lashing kindles some fire in the Gray Monarchs to regroup and recruit for the upcoming Julyfest soccer tournament in Kimberly, B.C.
In the second game, an impressive SHS Alumni women’s team fiercely fought and dominated the Montana Rapids women, in all aspects except the semi important category of score. After going down early, Sandpoint regained their composure and applied firm pressure. Unveiling brilliance, Ex-SHS star Sierra Scott tallied Sandpoint’s first goal on a dribble drive exhibition.
Combating the image of a delicate women’s sport, the Sandpoint squad suffered a purposeful vicious facial elbow, resulting in a broken nose. The episode added fuel to the SHS-Alumni fire. Riding the momentum into the second half, Sandpoint rallied, going up 2-1 early in the second half on a beautifully placed header by ex-collegiate standout, and most experienced squad member Karen Sjoquist. The slice of paradise was served up in the form of a gorgeous cross by Sandpoint legend-in-progress Emma Weme.
Akin to recent USA World Cup last minute blunders, Sandpoint conceded not one, but two late game goals, resulting in a 3-2 loss. Testimonial to the importance of mental perseverance, the last-second mortal lapse by the SHS-Alumni came literally on the last play of the game. The Rapids women again won June’s annual Northern Idaho Cup.