Boys soccer falls in 4A state quarterfinal
Sophomore Stirling Roget fights off a Vallivue player for possession of the ball during Thursday's 4A state quarterfinal at Bonneville High School.
(Photo courtesy of ANN DICKINSON)
Junior Nolan Angell fights a Vallivue player for possession of the ball during Thursday's match.
(Photo courtesy of ANN DICKINSON)
Sophomore Evan Dickinson dribbles upfield during Thursday's match.
(Photo courtesy of ANN DICKINSON)
Senior Kris Berget moves the ball upfield during Thursday's match.
(Photo courtesy of ANN DICKINSON)
IDAHO FALLS — The Bulldogs didn't get off to the start they were hoping for at the 4A state tournament.
Sandpoint boys soccer lost 2-0 to Vallivue in a 4A state quarterfinal on Thursday morning at Bonneville High School.
With the loss, the Bulldogs move to the consolation bracket. Sandpoint (5-5-3) plays Bishop Kelly (10-1-0) at 8 a.m. PST Friday. The Bulldogs will need to win to keep their state trip alive and avoid going 0-2.
Head coach Tanner French said his team didn't execute the gameplan against Vallivue.
"Obviously losing in the first round of any tournament is extremely demoralizing, especially in the fashion that we played," he wrote in a text. "I have never seen athletes at this age be able to psych themselves out so significantly before or during a match. I had complete confidence prior to the whistle, and I hope they learn what it will take to regain championship status."
Vallivue scored twice in the second half to shut the door on the Bulldogs.
French said his team was unable to connect more than five passes in a row for a good portion of the match.
"All we can do is be quick to forget and focus on the match Friday morning," he said. "They can still benefit from this experience regardless of results and our program will continue to move in a positive direction."
Sandpoint was seeking its first 4A state title since 2012.
