Stultz, Dressel sign to play soccer at NIC

SANDPOINT — Sandpoint senior soccer standouts Mac Stultz and Christian Dressel are taking their game to the collegiate level, signing letters of intent last Friday to play soccer next fall for North Idaho College.

Stultz, a forward, was named to the Idaho All-State team after a strong senior campaign that saw him post team highs with 10 goals and eight assists. Cardinals head coach Ken Thompson saw Stultz play a handful of times last year and like what he saw.

“He’s an athletic kid, a calm, disciplined finisher,” described Thompson, who plans to use Stultz in the attack. “He’s got some versatility, and will play wide for us.”

Dressel finished with four goals and two assists last year, and opened Thompson’s eyes when he scrimmage with the Cardinals during a visit to the Coeur d’Alene school. He could play forward or midfield for the Cardinals.

“He played with the group and really connected with everybody. I liked the Bulldog in him,” said Thompson. “Christian is a real technical player, aggressive with the ball.”

The pair could see playing time right away for the Cardinals, who went 7-8-2 overall and 5-5-2 in the Northwest Athletic Conference.

Sandpoint head coach Evan McNeley, nearing the end of his Major Arena Soccer League season with the Tacoma Stars, said he was extremely proud of the two talented seniors and the hard work they put in all season. He feels they have the talent and drive to hold their own at the next level.

“They are two of the fittest guys on the team. That comes with work ethic and drive which is something these boys have tons of. Their work ethic will help them at the next level,” predicted McNeley, who played with former Sandpoint and North Idaho College player Brian Farber at Oregon State. “They must trust themselves, and always continue to be a student of the game. Have an open mind and let the soccer field be your canvas.”