Boys soccer falls to Timberwolves in opener

COEUR d’ALENE — It wasn’t the start to the season the Sandpoint boys soccer team was hoping for. The Bulldogs fell 4-1 at Lake City on Friday in the nonleague opener for both teams.

“Overall, it was extremely frustrating from the sideline to watch,” head coach Tanner French said.

In the first half, Sandpoint was able to create a handful of scoring chances but they were unable to find the finishing touch. They trailed 1-0 at the half.

In the final 40 minutes, the Timberwolves scored three unanswered goals before junior midfielder Evan Darling was given credit for a tally in the closing seconds of the game. French said his team lacked energy in the second half.

“Lake City was much quicker than us,” he said, “and I knew that going into the game and that was part of the prematch conversation but I’m not sure if it was the heat or the first game but we mentally checked out in the second half and it became a feeding frenzy for Lake City.”

Lake City outshot Sandpoint 7-6. French credited junior midfielder Nolan Angell for his play.

“I thought Nolan Angell played pretty well as our creative, attacking midfielder,” French said. “He obviously took his summer seriously as far as fitness goes ... He was a silent leader today.”

The Bulldogs (0-1) host Post Falls in their home opener 4 p.m. Tuesday.

“Good to get the jitters out, good to understand what the boys have in front of them, but really there’s no conversation that needs to be had, they are all simple fixes,” French said.

First half — 1, LC, Landon Lee (Kohrt Weber), 25:00. Second half — 2, LC, Miles Jones (unassisted), 50:00. 3, LC, Noah Janzen (unassisted), 57:00. 4, LC, Jones (Bryce Allred), 68:00. 5, Sandpoint, Evan Darling (unassisted), 78:00.

Shots on goal — Spt 6, LC 7.

Saves — Spt, Roman Jiles 5; LC, Tyler Allred 7.