Bulldogs bounce Hawks in district opener
—Photo by JASON DUCHOW PHOTOGRAPHY Sandpoint defender Max Edmundson, thrust into action when regular defenders Ben Schwartz and Dylan Baillie were injured, had a big game on Monday.
Seniors Crane, Crossingham come up big in loser-out game
By ERIC PLUMMER
Sports editor
SANDPOINT — After three straight years of disappointing endings at the district tournament, the Bulldogs were simply thrilled to advance and extend their season, downing Lakeland 2-1 in the loser-out game of the 4A Region 1 boys soccer tournament on Monday at Centennial Field.
The No. 3 seed Hawks (3-11-2) drew first blood when Tommy Krevenak finished off a pass from Seth Galbraith for an early 1-0 lead, as yet another uncomfortable feeling set in at districts for the Bulldogs, whose seniors have yet to taste state.
Four minutes later, Charlie Crane finished a pass by Dawson Mulder with a low blast just inside the post to equalize the game at 1-1 in the 18th minute. The No. 2 seed Bulldogs (10-3-4) continued to create offensively, but several great saves by Hawks’ keeper Max Baker kept things tied heading into half.
The Bulldogs had several great chances to take the lead, but Crane hit the post on a shot and Mac Stultz had a header right in front of goal bounce off the crossbar.
Amos Crossingham helped the Bulldogs finally net the game winner in the 58th minute when he beat three Lakeland defenders off the dribble, cut along the end line and set up teammate Noah Hastings, who was in the right spot to punch in the winning goal from four feet out.
Bulldogs head coach Adam Tajan liked how his team responded after falling behind early in the pressure cooker of a loser-out game, earning the season sweep of the Hawks.
“We battled back from a goal down. It’s hard to beat a team three times in a season,” said Tajan of the Hawks. “This team has given us fits.”
Lakeland moved more players up late in the game, and nearly netted the equalizer when David Moruzsi corralled a rebound and shot a foot wide of the post late in the game.
Hawks first year head coach Dylan Steigemeier was pleased with his team’s play in defeat.
“Can’t ask them to do more. They played hard, and had some chances,” he said. “I’m happy with the way my kids played.”
The three-pronged attack of Dawson Mulder, Amos Crossingham and Mac Stultz was a handful for the Hawks’ defense all day long, each with the ability to create not just for themselves, but their teammates.
Charlie Crane continues to do a nice job running the show from the midfield, also able to finish when needed.
For the Bulldogs, a group of seniors hungry for their first trip to state will now travel south to face No. 1 seed Moscow, which they tied twice in the regular season, in the championship game with a berth to state on the line. The second tie, on Saturday, ultimately went to a shootout to determine the No. 1 seed, which was won by the Bears.
The Bulldogs will be seeking revenge, and the key to getting to state is simple for Tajan and his charges.
“Capitalize on opportunities,” said Tajan of the key to finally beating Moscow. “When we left that game, our confidence was high. We’re ready for it.”
The 4A Region 1 championship is Wednesday, at 3:30 p.m. in Moscow. The winner goes to state, the loser is done for the season as there is no play-in game this year.
First half — 1, LL, Tommy Krevenak (Seth Galbraith), 14:00. 2, Spt, Charlie Crane (Dawson Mulder), 18:00. Second half — 3, Spt, Noah Hastings (Amos Crossingham), 58:00.
Shots on goal — LL 6, Spt 10.
Saves — LL, Max Baker, 6; Spt, Mitch Rust, 4.