Five Bulldogs earn All-IEL soccer honors
Mulder named MVP, Crossingham Offensive POY
SANDPOINT — Sandpoint forward Dawson Mulder found the back of the net early and often, scoring 24 goals to go with three assists this season, earning Most Valuable Player honors as the Bulldogs had five seniors named to the 4A All-Inland Empire League boys soccer team, as voted on recently by the league’s coaches.
Mulder set a pre-season goal of 20 scores, and had no trouble achieving it, using plus speed and athleticism and good instincts to earn league MVP.
“Dawson was an offensive force all season. He scored big goals in big games and struck fear in the eyes of defenders. He has tremendous pace and is very crafty on the ball,” described Bulldogs head coach Adam Tajan. “In my opinion, he’s the most athletic player of any 4A or 5A teams that we faced this year.”
Amos Crossingham scored five goals and dished out six assists to earn Offensive Player of the Year honors.
“Amos is extremely quick and dangerous on the dribble. He loves to attack and take opponents on 1v1. As the season progressed, he became a marked man and would continuously attract 2-3 defenders,” said Tajan. “He is definitely a handful for any coach trying to stop our attack from wide areas on the pitch.”
Charlie Crane dished out a team-high 10 assists to go with four goals on the season, using great instincts and touch passes to set up teammates for some easy goals.
“Charlie is our most complete and versatile player. Because of this, he can play many different positions very effectively,” said Tajan. “He’s technically very comfortable around a soccer ball and understands how good soccer should be played. Charlie has excellent vision and was able to rack up an impressive number of assists this year.”
Jack Rinck tallied six goals and two assists, and provided a lot of hustle and intensity along with a great feel for the game.
“Jack was our rock in the midfield all season. Losing him at state definitely affected our strength in the midfield. Jack has a excellent soccer IQ and understands the importance of winning the midfield,” described Tajan. “He has good vision, a good outside shot, and is also good in the air. He plays with as much heart and passion as anyone I’ve coached.”
Goalie Mitch Rust, who posted three shutouts, earned a spot on the team with his physical play between the pipes.
“Mitch was excellent down the stretch in the district tournament and at state. He’s very aggressive off his line and he commands the penalty area well,” praised Tajan. “Through the years his positioning and footwork have really improved. Mitch has been an excellent role model for our younger players and has always provided excellent leadership throughout his career.”
4A Inland Empire League Boys Soccer
MVP — Dawson Mulder, sr., Sandpoint
Newcomer of the Year — Jack Alexander, sr., Moscow
Coach of the Year — Richard Gayler, Moscow
Offensive Player of the Year — Amos Crossingham, sr., Sandpoint
Defensive Player of the Year — Nick Boudreau, sr., Moscow
Goalkeeper of the Year — Cullen Burke, sr., Moscow
SANDPOINT — Mitch Rust, sr., Jack Rinck, sr., Charlie Crane, sr. LAKELAND — Dade McDevitt, jr., Cody Callahan, sr., Brandon Barber, sr. MOSCOW — Joe Ewers, sr., Cooper Stephens, jr.