SHS boys soccer draws with Lewiston
Junior Evan Darling fights a Lewiston defender for possession of the ball in front of the net on Saturday.
(Photo courtesy of JASON DUCHOW PHOTOGRAPHY)
Junior Canyon Nash chases down the ball during the second half of Saturday's game against Lewiston at Pine Street Field. He had a goal and an assist in the match.
(Photo by DYLAN GREENE)
Senior defender Parker Prior looks for an open teammate during a match against Lewiston on Sept. 26 at Pine Street Field.
(Photo by DYLAN GREENE)
SANDPOINT — The Sandpoint boys soccer stormed out the gates Saturday against Lewiston, scoring two goals in the first 17 minutes. Unfortunately, the Bulldogs were unable to find the back of the net the rest of the way and the Bengals took advantage of their few chances to force a 2-2 draw.
Assistant coach Daniel Anderson, who served as the head coach for the match, said the Bulldogs did everything they needed to get the win. Sandpoint outshot, outpossessed and outplayed Lewiston but sometimes that's just soccer, Anderson said.
"I think the boys were ready to play today and they brought the energy that we're asking of them," he said. "Overall, I'm happy with the way they played and the intensity they came with. It's unfortunate not to get the win when you feel like it's definitely something you should have got."
Junior Canyon Nash opened the scoring for the Bulldogs in the ninth minute off a nice assist from freshman Jett Longanecker. Stirling Roget found the back of the net eight minutes later off a pass from Nash.
Lewiston responded in the 21st minute to make it 2-1 at the half.
In the 63rd minute, a shot by Lewiston deflected off a Sandpoint defender and slid past goalkeeper Roman Jiles to even the score at 2-2.
After surrendering that goal, the Bulldogs attacked the Lewiston net but the Bengals did everything they could to prevent a score.
"When you know you need to score and the other team knows they're probably happy with a tie coming out of here on the road, it's hard to score in the last 15 minutes," Anderson said.
Sandpoint outshot Lewiston 20-4.
It was a frustrating tie, but Anderson saw a lot of positives.
"I just reminded them it's a process," he said. "We're not looking to be playing our best soccer today. We're looking to be playing our best soccer in two to three weeks when we're going into districts and state, so that's what we're building toward."
The Bulldogs (3-1-3) host Coeur d'Alene 4:30 p.m. Tuesday at War Memorial Field.
First half — 1, Sandpoint, Canyon Nash (Jett Longanecker), 9:00. 2, Sandpoint, Stirling Roget (Nash), 17:00. 1, Lewiston, Teddy Kessler (Samuel Miller), 21:00. Second half — 2, Lewiston, Samuel Miller (Biruk Miller), 63:00.
Shots — Sandpoint 20. Lewiston 4.
Saves — Sandpoint, Roman Jiles, 2. Lewiston, Nikko Vega, 11.
