Coeur d'Alene capitalizes on scoring chances to down Bulldogs 2-0
Junior defender Aidan Smith attempts to play the ball away from a Coeur d'Alene player during a match on Tuesday at War Memorial Field.
(Photo courtesy of JASON DUCHOW PHOTOGRAPHY)
SANDPOINT — Nearly four weeks ago, Sandpoint boys soccer was crushed at Coeur d'Alene 7-0.
The Bulldogs got a chance at revenge Tuesday at War Memorial Field, but the Vikings prevailed 2-0 to secure the season sweep.
The Vikings were without five of their starters and the Bulldogs outshot CDA 13-11. Sandpoint head coach Tanner French felt his team had a great chance to secure the victory.
"That game was ours to win, there's no doubt about that," he said.
Sandpoint held Coeur d'Alene at bay in the first half and made it difficult for the Vikings to attack. The Bulldogs had multiple chances to score early in the match, but couldn't find the back of the net.
In the 19th minute, Coeur d'Alene crossed the ball into the box and Alex Reyes headed it in. Sandpoint goalkeeper Roman Jiles attempted to save but it deflected in off his hand.
Coeur d'Alene head coach Braden Ridgewell said the Sandpoint defense gave his team fits in the first half by using their size to their advantage.
"Sandpoint's always been known to be really physical in like the best ways possible," Ridgewell said. "They always come out very athletic, they have intensity, high energy and they got a big squad physically."
In the second half, both teams struggled to maintain possession of the ball. The Bulldogs didn't record a shot in the second half until the 54th minute.
With 14 minutes left in the match, the Vikings broke through once again when Christopher Swider sprinted through the Sandpoint defense and slid a goal past Jiles.
"I thought we played without passion which should not be the storyline when your location is Memorial Field," French said.
Jiles made six saves in net.
French said his team was a little rushed on attack during Tuesday's match.
"It just seems there's a disconnect between the training mindset and the game mindset," he said, "and the inability comes from inexperience, but the only way to gain experience is to put yourself in that place."
The Bulldogs (3-1-4) host Lakeland at 6 p.m. Friday for Senior Night.
First half — 1, CDA, Alex Reyes (Otto Geilenfeldt), 19:00. Second half — 2, CDA, Christopher Swider (Evan Lowder), 66:00.
Shots — Sandpoint 13, CDA 11.
Saves — Sandpoint, Roman Jiles, 6. CDA, Cooper Proctor, 9.