Sandpoint shuts out Vallivue in state opener
(Photo by ERIC PLUMMER) Junior Hannah Eddy is all smiles after netting a goal in Sandpoint’s state opening win over Vallivue on Thursday at Lake City. The semis are today at 11:30 a.m. at Lake City.
(Photo by JASON DUCHOW PHOTOGRAPHY) Junior goalie Shea Kilpatrick stopped seven shots, including a diving save, to help split a shutout.
COEUR d’ALENE — Nerves and pressure can wreak havoc at the state soccer tournament, at least if a team allows such things to build.
Sandpoint made sure any extra stress never had a chance to manifest, scoring three first half goals to post a comfortable 4-0 shutout win over Vallivue in the opening game of the 4A Idaho State soccer tournament on Thursday morning at sun-soaked Lake City High School.
The Bulldogs (12-3-1) played well in all phases of the game, handling their business and advancing, the name of the game in the state tournament. Other than a whole bunch of off-sides penalties, Sandpoint played a nearly flawless game, looking every bit like a team with legit title aspirations.
“Vallivue played a pretty high line defensively,” described Bulldogs head coach Conor Baranski, whose team adjusted well to the different look. “They had to battle some nerves, and they overcame those. Hopefully we can keep the belief.”
The Bulldogs broke through for the first goal in the 11th minute, when defender Jezza Hutto launched a perfectly timed long ball up the middle to a streaking Riley Walkington, who collected it and promptly blasted a left-footed goal and a big stress reliever.
Emi Lynch added an insurance goal 18 minutes later after taking another pretty through ball from Hutto to get past the defense, taking a few composed dribbles before blasting in a shot. Right before the half, Hannah Eddy made a nice long run up the middle and struck a clean shot past the keeper just before the end of the first half.
It was more than enough support for the Bulldogs’ defense, which shut out Vallivue (12-7-1) and their dangerous striker Lizzy Gonzalez. Hutto, Mya Darling, Yeo Yarnell and Emma Thielbahr marked hard all game, and other than a diving save by Shea Kilpatrick to preserve the shutout, the Bulldogs were never seriously threatened.
“No. 8 (Gonzalez) is a Division 1 commit, and our defense didn’t make her look like that. We pressured, covered and kept her at bay,” said Baranski, who played Hattie Larson in goal the first half. “Both keepers did exactly what they needed to do.”
Walkington scored her second goal of the game late in the second half after a nice pass from Holly Kassa to cap the scoring.
Sandpoint will face Skyline (15-2-0), which beat Century 3-1 in first round action, in the semis today, with kickoff at 11:30 a.m. at Lake City High School.
First half — 1, Spt, Riley Walkington (Jezza Hutto), 11:30. 2, Spt, Emi Lynch (Hutto), 29:00. 3, Spt, Hannah Eddy (Walkington), 39:00. Second half — 4, Spt, Walkington (Holly Kassa), 75:00.
Shots on goal — Spt, 13, VV 9.
Saves — Spt, Hattie Larson, 2, Shea Kilpatrick, 7; VV, Kendra Woods, 7.