Stultz nets game-winner in Bulldogs' 1-0 victory

SANDPOINT — With a stout defensive effort, all it took was one goal to secure a big win, and Mac Stultz delivered, leading Sandpoint to a 1-0 win over Moscow in 4A Inland Empire League boys soccer action on Tuesday at Pine St. Field.

C.J. Crane picked up his team high fourth assist on the season, feeding Stultz for his first goal of the season in the 25th, a game winner at that.?“It was a nice switch, and C.J. found him on a through ball,” described Bulldogs head coach Adam Tajan of the winning goal. “Mac can score when he gets behind the defense. It was nice to see him score in a big game.”

Kyle Hertel notched his fourth shutout of the season in goal, helped by a couple of strong tackles by Mahonri Hunsaker in the back third. Tanner Kohal, Ben Schwartz and Owen Stebbins are part of a back four that is becoming increasingly difficult to pierce.

“We locked it down defensively, Moscow didn’t create any solid looks,” described Tajan. “Hertel was solid on any looks. A clean sheet is good to hand your hat on.”

The Bulldogs (6-1-1, 1-0-1 4A IEL) got a leg up on Moscow (0-2 4A IEL) in the race to host districts. A Sept. 30 home game against the Hawks (1-0-1 4A IEL) is looming large in the future after the two teams tied 4-4 at Lakeland. ?Sandpoint hosts Lake City on Thursday, at 6 p.m. at War Memorial Field.

?First half — 1, Spt, Mac Stultz (C.J. Crane), 25:00. Second half — None. ?Shots on goal — Mos, 4; Spt, 11.

Saves — Moscow, 3; Spt, Kyle Hertel, 4.