'We're starting to peak': Bulldogs draw with Lake City

SANDPOINT — The Bulldogs were hungry for a win against Lake City.

The last time these two teams met on Aug. 27, the Timberwolves scored with two minutes left to grab a 2-1 win.

Sandpoint was out for revenge and it showed early in Tuesday's match. Unfortunately, Lake City (6-1-3) was able to stave off the Bulldogs just enough to force a 1-1 draw.

"For once this season, I'm pleased with the boys effort for a complete game," head coach Tanner French said, "and they enjoyed it and that's a big aspect that I think they've been missing."

Sandpoint came out with a purpose in the first half of Tuesday's match, dominating possession and making it difficult for the Timberwolves to do anything on attack.

The hot start for the Bulldogs paid off in the 11th minute when a corner kick by junior Nolan Angell found the foot of senior Chris Koch, who buried a shot to give Sandpoint a 1-0 lead.

Lake City only had one shot on goal in the first half and they capitalized on it. In the 19th minute, Walker Jump fired a free kick from about 25 yards out past sophomore goalkeeper Roman Jiles to even the score at 1-1.

Senior Zander Moore and junior Evan Darling both had quality scoring chances before the end of the first half, but were unable to find the back of the net.

Sandpoint outshot Lake City 10-1 in the first half and had six corner kicks.

French said his team outhustled the Timberwolves and played with a "bite that this program has been missing for the last few years."

"They came out strong," he said about his team. "We were on the front foot most of that [first] half."

In the second half, each team had their fair share of scoring opportunities, but they were unable to find that finishing touch.

In the 67th minute, Jiles made a nice kick save on a shot by Lake City's Kohrt Weber in the box to keep the game tied.

French said he was proud of his team for fighting until the final whistle.

"We're starting to peak at the right moment," he said. "It's a solid feeling."

For most of the match, Sandpoint's backline shut down the Timberwolves and prevented them from finding any rhythm offensively.

Lake City head coach Alan Rich said Sandpoint is a well-coached team and their effort forced the Timberwolves to make unforced errors.

"They pressured every ball," he said. "They did what we normally do."

French was impressed by the play of his defenders, particularly sophomore Stirling Roget and freshman Jett Longanecker.

"I thought the play of our backline was exquisite to be honest," he said.

The Bulldogs had 14 shots to Lake City's seven.

Sandpoint (4-4-2) hosts Moscow 4 p.m. Thursday at War Memorial Field. With a win against the Bears, the Bulldogs would clinch the 4A Inland Empire League title and the No. 1 seed in the regional tournament.

First half — 1, Sandpoint, Chris Koch (Nolan Angell), 11:00. 1, Lake City, Walker Jump (free kick), 19:00. Second half — None.

Shots — Sandpoint 14, Lake City 7.

Saves — Sandpoint, Roman Jiles, 2. Lake City, Tyler Allred, 10.