Crossingham kicks Bulldogs past Hawks in playoff opener

SANDPOINT — Much like a great point guard can break a team down off the dribble and get to the rim in basketball, speedy Sandpoint sophomore Amos Crossingham was able to drive the soccer ball to the goal off the dribble, providing the x-factor in the Bulldogs’ 1-0 win over Lakeland in a 4A Region 1 loser-out game on Monday at War Memorial Field.

Late in a scoreless first half, Crossingham scored the biggest goal of the season for the No. 2 seed Bulldogs (7-8-1), after teaming with Patrick Rockwell to force a steal deep in Hawks’ territory. Crossingham took the ball and started dribbling in from the side, slicing and dicing his way past several defenders before finding the space to rip a left-footed shot past one of the top keepers in the state in Cade Coffey.

After hitting the post with an empty goal earlier in the half, Crossingham’s game-winner once again would hit the post, bouncing the Bulldogs’ way the second time around. In a game where each team created plenty of strong scoring chances, Crossingham’s goal would stand up in an up and down second half.

“He’s a handful 1 v 1 with his pace, and he could have had a hat trick tonight,” said Tajan of Crossingham, who brought a ton of energy to the attack. “All it takes is one.”

The No. 3 seed Hawks (6-8) controlled the action for much of the game, and especially the first half, creating a handful of great chances. Nacho Pino broke free from eight yards out and Sandpoint goalie Kyle Hertel came out hard to challenge, coming up with a key block. Anthony Padilla also had a great look from the middle of the box, but his open shot sailed over the crossbar.

The Hawks continued to mount some strong attacks in the second half, but couldn’t find the equalizer.

“Not being able to finish in the first half was the difference,” said Hawks coach Andrew Craig, lauding the playoff atmosphere. “The overall intensity of both sides. It was a really well-fought game, fun to watch.”

Hertel picked up his fourth shutout of the season, earning the clean sheet with seven saves. With Lakeland routinely sending in dangerous, high free kicks that were coming down right in front of the goal, many of his 11 saves were of the high-flying variety.

Tanner Kohal, Mahonri Hunsaker and Jared Cooper once again anchored a three-player back line, with Cooper coming up with a couple of key challenges in the box to prevent shots.

“Jared kept us in it all night. Lakeland is a good team,” said Tajan. “For a young team to succeed with the pressure of a must-win is great to see.”

The Bulldogs have been a work in progress, and Monday revealed how far they’ve come over the course of the season. They’ll get another shot, with a berth at state on the line, when they travel to face the No. 1 seed Bears on Wednesday in Moscow.

First half — 1, Amos Crossingham (Patrick Rockwell), 39:00. Second half — None.

Shots on goal — LL 10, Spt 8.

Saves — LL, Cade Coffey, 6; Spt, Kyle Hertel, 7.