Boys soccer secures undefeated season in 4A IEL
Senior Evan Darling prepares to send the ball upfield during a game against Moscow on Aug. 31 at War Memorial Field.
(Photo courtesy of JASON DUCHOW PHOTOGRAPHY)
RATHDRUM — Sandpoint boys soccer wrapped up a perfect season in 4A Inland Empire League play on Thursday.
The Bulldogs grinded out a 3-0 win at Lakeland.
The game was scoreless at the half.
"We came out fairly flat," head coach Tanner French said, "and I think we were unable to match the intensity Lakeland brought out of the gate and I think we were kind of surprised by that aspect."
Randy Lane and Evan Darling scored penalty kick goals for the Bulldogs in the second half and Evan Dickinson found the back of the net on a corner kick from Jett Longanecker in the 73rd minute.
French said the Bulldogs played the Hawks' game.
"It was a good learning type of game that I think will benefit our boys come districts and state," he said.
The Bulldogs (7-4, 6-2 IEL) will host the winner of the loser-out game between Lakeland and Moscow in the 4A Region 1 championship game on Wednesday, Oct. 13, at War Memorial Field.
French said they are trying to find another game to play next week prior to regionals, but he also wouldn't mind the rest for his players.
"It would be nice to get a game in," he said.
Second half — 1, Sandpoint, Randy Lane (penalty kick), 50:00. 2, Sandpoint, Evan Darling (penalty kick), 65:00. 3, Sandpoint, Evan Dickinson (Jett Longanecker), 73:00.
Shots — Sandpoint 10, Lakeland 3.
Saves — Sandpoint, Roman Jiles 1; Lakeland, unknown 6.