Bulldog boys tie in 4A IEL soccer clash

SANDPOINT — Kyle Stanley celebrated Senior Night in style, scoring off a free kick late in the first half, but Moscow answered late in the game to earn a 1-1 tie with Sandpoint in 4A Inland Empire League boys soccer on Tuesday at War Memorial Field.

The high-flying Stanley, who patrols the air with great hops and timing, got the Bulldogs (6-8-1, 1-2-1 4A IEL) on the board in stoppage time before the half, blasting a free kick into the box that ultimately bounced off a Moscow defender and past the keeper.

Mahonri Hunsaker, Jared Cooper and Tanner Kohal played a stingy three-player back line, holding the Bears (5-8-2, 2-0-1) scoreless until Alec Martin found the back of the net in the 75th minute, when a cross was knocked in for the equalizer.

Cooper, Stanley and Tanner McNelley were each honored before the game on Senior Night. Sandpoint head coach Adam Tajan praised the play of Cooper in the back four.

“Jared’s been a rock for us in the back the last two years. You couldn’t ask for more on leadership or work rate,” said Tajan, who felt the two teams mirrored each other in a pivotal league match. “We both played similar soccer tonight, very direct, without a lot of possession. It worked for a while.”

Owen Stebbins has moved up from the back to join Amos Crossingham, Dawson Mulder and C.J. Crane in a four player attack, which was able to generate some solid looks, as Mulder nearly scored on a header in the first half.

The tie means the Bulldogs will be the No. 2 seed at districts, and host the playoff opener. It also means that no team will be a perfect 4-0 in league play, meaning the tournament will remain single elimination, per usual.

The Bulldogs’ game against Lake City on Thursday was canceled, so there will be a short rest before districts start.

First half — 1, Spt, Shane Stanley (free kick), 40:00. Second half — 2, Mos, Alec Martin (Henry Gregson), 75:00.

Shots on goal — Mos 7, Spt 6.

Saves — Mos, Keith McGuire, 5; Spt, Kyle Hertel, 5.