Bulldogs fall to Bears in championship
<p>Sandpoint junior defender Mahonri Hunsaker, pictured in the playoff opener, and the Bulldogs saw their season come to an end on Wednesday. (Photo by ERIC PLUMMER)</p>
MOSCOW — With the state tournament as the carrot, Sandpoint traveled south to face Moscow on Wendesday in the 4A Region 1 boys soccer championship.
The Bulldogs (7-9-1) played some of their best soccer of the season, but it was the Bears who were able to finish their chances, scoring in each half for a 2-0 win and berth at state.
Alex Martin scored in the 19th minute, stealing a pass and attacking off the dribble before burning a low shot from 20 yards out that snuck in the far post.
“We controlled a ton of the possession in the first half. We were moving the ball as good as we have all season, we just struggled in the final third to create many chances. We’d do a lot to get there, but couldn’t quite get that look to pull the shot off,” said Bulldogs head coach Adam Tajan. “We got a couple looks off corners, but they were good in the air defensively.”
The Bulldogs took some chances in the second half to get the equalizer, but a tough bounce proved costly, and the Bears added an insurance goal. Joey Cook scored in the 63rd minute, and the Bears’ defense was able to thwart several scoring chances.
“A cross came in and Kyle Hertel punched it, it went right to him (Cook), he settled it with his chest and ripped a shot,” described Tajan, who praised the defense of the Bears. “We had a number of opportunities right at the end, but they took care of business. I thought we played some of our best soccer.”
The Bulldogs eventually pulled Kyle Hertel from goal and moved up another few players into the attack to try and get back in it late, but could not finish any chances.
“Hats off to Joey Cook(-Gallardo) and Nick Leonhardy too,” Moscow coach Richard Gayler said of two of his defenders. “The last couple games against Sandpoint we made some dumb mistakes and allowed some bad goals, but our back line played exceptionally well today.”
The Bears will most likely face Bishop Kelly or Caldwell in the first round at state on Thursday in Post Falls.
First half — 1, Moscow, Alex Martin (Unassisted), 19:00. Second half — 2, Mos, Joey Cook, 63:00.
Shots on goal — Spt 4, Mos 7.
Saves — Spt, Kyle Hertel, 4; Mos, Keith McGuire, 3.