Crane, Stanley lead Bulldogs past Hawks

SANDPOINT — A pair of pretty first half goals propelled Sandpoint to a 2-1 win over Lakeland in 4A Inland Empire League boys soccer Tuesday night under the lights of War Memorial Field.

C.J. Crane took a nice through ball from Jack Rinck, then beat his defender before popping the ball over the goalie’s head to give the Bulldogs (3-4, 1-0 4A IEL) an early 1-0 lead. In the 31st minute Dawson Mulder came flying in to head in a rebound for a 2-0 lead, as the Bulldogs capitalized on the few chances they had.

The team also exorcised some demons after last year’s crushing loss to the Hawks in districts.

“It absolutely feels good to beat Lakeland after last year’s district championship. The importance of league games is huge,” said Bulldogs head coach Adam Tajan. “I thought we scored two excellent goals. C.J. hit a nice chipper with great composure, and Dawson’s header showed some bravery.”

Lakeland (1-5, 0-1 4A IEL) scored their goal in extra time, when Brett Rotz found the back of the net after the ball got free in front of the goal.

Sandpoint hosts Lewiston on Thursday.

First half — 1, Spt, C.J. Crane (Jack Rinck), 8:00. 2, Spt, Dawson Mulder (Kyle Stanley), 31:00. Second half — 3, LL, Brett Rotz (unassisted), 90:00.

Shots on goal — Spt 4, LL 8.

Saves — Spt, Kyle Hertel, 7; LL, Cade Coffey, 2.

n Bulldog girls notch first win of season

RATHDRUM — It might not have been the prettiest win, but the Bulldogs scored two goals in the three minute span in the first half to notch their first win of the season, downing Lakeland 2-1 on Tuesday in 4A Inland Empire League action at Lakeland High School.

Ashly Busch finished an assist from Rachel Meyer in the 10th minute to put the Bulldogs (1-4-1, 1-0 4A IEL) on the board, before Lakeland equalized a minute later. Corinne Ariss blasted in a penalty kick just a minute later, capping the scoring in a game that left Bulldogs head coach Conor Baranski wanting more from his team.

“It’s our first victory, and that feels great, but the second half of soccer was as ugly as I’ve seen in a long time,” said Baranski. “I’m excited about the win, but we need to improve vastly if we’re going to defend our title.”

Paige Dumars stopped six shots in goal for the Bulldogs, who travel to Lewiston on Thursday.

First half — 1, Spt, Ashly Busch (Rachel Meyer), 10:00. 2, LL, Mum (unassisted), 11:00. 3, Spt, Corinne Ariss (penalty kick), 12:00.

Shots on goal — LL 14, Spt 15.

Saves — LL, 3; Spt, Paige Dumars, 6.