Bulldogs remain undefeated against tough 5A slate
(Photo by ERIC PLUMMER) Junior Cole Baillie beat two defenders and goalie, before finally punching this shot into an empty net for a hard-working goal on Tuesday at Pine St. Field.
(Photo by ERIC PLUMMER) Senior defender Max Edmundson pokes the ball away from a Post Falls player in the Bulldogs’ 3-1 win.
SANDPOINT — Sandpoint broke open a tight game with three late goals, earning a 3-1 win over Post Falls in nonleague boys soccer on Tuesday at Pine St. Field, capping an undefeated stretch against 5A opponents to kick off the season.
After Sandpoint keeper Julian Reichold made a diving stop on a penalty kick in the second half, another foul was called five second later, and Gabe Lawson buried the ball in the back of net to stake the Trojans (1-1) to a 1-0 lead in a game played amid 95 degree heat and abnormally high humidity.
The Bulldogs (4-0-1) got the equalizer then Cole Baillie gathered a ball, and outworked two defenders and a goalie to finally punch in a shot to tie the game at 1-1.
“It was a great run of play, and finally some composure around the goal,” said Bulldogs head coach Evan McNeley, lauding several diving saves by Reichold to snuff out some quality scoring chances by the Trojans. “He’s shown a love of the game that is very impressive. He’s dedicating himself to the sport, and it showed.”
Noah Hastings converted a penalty kick shortly after for a 2-1 lead, then Cole Baillie hit the final tally by lofting a free kick from 40 yards out that new Trojan goalie Tanner McCliment-Call leaped to snatch out of the air, before his momentum carried him into the goal.
Trojans coach Gabe Lawson admitted that Sandpoint looked sharper late in the game, having already worked out some early season kinks, and the Trojans were missing a couple of their top players.
“This is Sandpoint’s fifth game, and our second. We were really even in the first half,” he said. “They (Sandpoint) were match fit and it showed in the second half. We didn’t have the legs for it.”
If their play against a tough early schedule is any indication, the Bulldogs are primed for a strong season. McNeley praised the play of midfielder Luke Koch in dictating the action.
“Luke did a great job of exposing their outside backs,” said McNeley. “Our defending was very organized. Just a strong game.”
Sandpoint hosts Stillwater Christian on Thursday at 6 p.m. in the first sporting event under the lights of War Memorial Field.
First half — None. Second half — 1, PF, Ethan Lawson (penalty kick), 55:00. 2, Spt, Cole Baillie (unassisted), 63:00. 3, Spt, Noah Hastings (penalty kick), 69:00. 4, Spt, Dylan Baillie (free kick), 72:00.
Shots on goal — Spt 15, PF 11.
Saves — Spt, Julian Reichold, 6; PF, Tanner McCliment-Call, 5.