Bulldogs battle back to force tie with Moscow, earn No. 1 seed at districts

MOSCOW — Despite drawing 3-3 with Moscow on Thursday, Sandpoint girls soccer locked up the No. 1 seed in the district tournament.

The Bulldogs never led in the match and head coach Conor Baranski was proud of his team for never giving up.

"We trailed three times and battled back all three times, so they showed tremendous grit," Baranski said about his team. "At the end of the day, I want a team that's able to battle."

Moscow's Megan Poler struck first in the 25th minute. Three minutes later, Sandpoint responded when senior Jordie Breeden scored on a corner kick by junior Erin Eddy.

The Bears surged ahead again in the 33rd minute, but moments later junior Piper Frank knotted the game on an assist from senior Aspen Larson. The score was 2-2 at the half.

Moscow broke through in the 47th minute on a scramble in the box after a free kick to capture a 3-2 lead.

Senior Kendall Rubright scored a penalty kick goal for the second straight game in the 62nd minute to help the defending 4A state champs avoid being knocked off by the Bears.

Sandpoint outshot Moscow 20-7.

"Certainly not our best game and credit to Moscow, they made it difficult," Baranski said.

Baranski said his team struggled solving the swarming defense the Bears presented, but he felt Breeden and Frank had a strong showing offensively.

"I thought those two really carried the burden on attack," he said.

The Bulldogs (5-5-1, 3-0-1 IEL) will host the winner of Tuesday's district semifinal between Lakeland and Moscow 4 p.m. next Thursday at War Memorial Field.

First half — 1, Moscow, Megan Poler, 25:00. 1, Sandpoint, Jordie Breeden (Erin Eddy), 28:00. 2, Moscow, Ava Jakich-Kunze, 33:00. 2, Sandpoint, Piper Frank (Aspen Larson), 34:00. Second half — 3, Moscow, unknown, 47:00. 3, Sandpoint, Kendall Rubright (PK), 62:00.

Shots — Sandpoint 20, Moscow 7.

Saves — Not available.