Late goal propels Mead past Sandpoint

Webster scores team’s goal as Bulldogs finish 1-1-1 against Greater Spokane League teams

SANDPOINT — The good news for the Bulldog girls soccer team is that they came within two minutes of going undefeated against a tough spate of nonleague games against Greater Spokane League teams.

The bad news is they allowed a goal in the 78th minute to fall 2-1 to Mead in a game that went down to the wire on Monday at Pine St. Field, a game the Bulldogs were in position to win.

The Bulldogs (6-2-1) generated quality looks at goal for much of the game, and out-shot the Panthers (5-2) by a 22-11 margin, but a goal in the final two minutes ended a chance to post a win and two ties against University, Central Valley and Mead this year.

“The only disappointing thing was how we lost. We didn’t play with passion,” felt Bulldog head coach Conor Baranski, whose team is among the best in the region, as well as the state of Idaho. “It was a very winnable game for us, and I don’t think we played badly. We just need to get better at the little things.”

Mead led 1-0 at halftime, before Kiley Webster took a rebound off the Mead keeper and blasted in her second goal of the season to equalize things in the 58th minute. The Bulldogs were aggressive in the attack, and had some quality looks at goal in the second half.

The winning goal came after Mead gained control of the ball from about 40 yards out, and Megan Cardenas blasted a quality shot from about 25 yards out that bent just inches inside the post.

The Bulldogs will host 5A power Lake City on Thursday night, with a 6 p.m. start under the lights at War Memorial Field.

First half — 1, Mead, Rachel Benneweis, 37:00. Second half — 2, Spt, Kiley Webster (Riley Walkington), 58:00. 3, Mead, Megan Cardenas, 78:00.

Shots on goal — Mead 11, Sandpoint 22.

Saves — Mead, 9; Spt, Hattie Larson 2, Shea Kilpatrick 4.