Bulldogs earn 'comfortable victory' in state opener
(Photo by JASON DUCHOW PHOTOGRAPHY) Sandpoint freshman Jordie Breeden uncorks a shot for a goal in a state opening shutout win on Thursday.
CALDWELL — Casey Shaha earned a penalty kick in the 25th minute, then promptly buried it for an early 1-0 lead and breathing room in the opener of the 4A girls state soccer championships on Thursday at Brothers Park in Caldwell.
From there, the deep and talented Bulldogs (11-2-1) started pouring it on, ultimately blanking Twin Falls’ Canyon Ridge 5-0 to advance to today’s semis against Skyview (17-3) of Nampa.
With a team full of players with multiple years experience at the state level, the Bulldogs dominated the action, out-shooting Canyon Ridge (13-8-1) to the tune of 25-5.
“We payed really well, very composed,” praised head coach Conor Baranski. “There were large parts of the game where they (CR) didn’t get out of their half.”
Freshman Jordie Breeden scored early in the second half for a 2-0 lead, which was more than enough for sophomore goalie Shea Kilpatrick to earn her fourth shutout.
Riley Walkington, whose availability was in question leading up to state with an injury, scored her team leading 12th goal off an assist from the speedy Breeden, followed by a second goal from Casey Shaha, her 10th tally on the year, and a final score from Emi Lynch late.
One of the perks of winning big is the ability to rest starters, which can only help with fresher legs during a run of three physical games in three days.
“The game was never really in doubt, a really comfortable victory. It’s nice to get that first game out of the way,” said Baranski, who had a chance to watch Skyview beat previously undefeated Century 2-1 and feels his team has the talent to advance. “I think we have a great chance. We scouted them.”
Kickoff for today’s semi is 1 p.m. PST at Brothers Park.
First half — 1, Casey Shaha, (penalty kick), 25:00. Second half — 2, Spt, Jordie Breeden (Hadley Marshall), 45:00. 3, Spt, Riley Walkington (Breeden), 55:00. 4, Spt, Casey Shaha (Unassisted), 66:00. 5, Spt, Emi Lynch (Kayla Inman), 78:00.
Shot on goal — Spt 25, CR 5.
Saves — Spt, Shea Kilpatrick, 5; CR, 11.