Sandpoint boys soccer struggles in loss to Coeur d'Alene
Senior Craig Sigman battles for possession of the ball with a Coeur d'Alene defender during Thursday's match at War Memorial Field.
(Photo courtesy of JASON DUCHOW PHOTOGRAPHY)
Emmett Morgan elevates for a header on Thursday.
(Photo courtesy of JASON DUCHOW PHOTOGRAPHY)
Jett Longanecker battles for position with a pair of Coeur d'Alene defenders on Thursday,
(Photo courtesy of JASON DUCHOW PHOTOGRAPHY)
Keyan Strock looks to make a move on Thursday.
(Photo courtesy of JASON DUCHOW PHOTOGRAPHY)
Pierce McDermott battles for possession of the ball with a Coeur d'Alene defender on Thursday.
(Photo courtesy of JASON DUCHOW PHOTOGRAPHY)
Shane Griffin tries to chase down the ball on Thursday.
(Photo courtesy of JASON DUCHOW PHOTOGRAPHY)
Tyler Bangle rises up for a header on Thursday.
(Photo courtesy of JASON DUCHOW PHOTOGRAPHY)
SANDPOINT — Following Tuesday's dominant victory over Moscow, Sandpoint boys soccer was eager to get a chance at knocking off Coeur d'Alene on Thursday.
Unfortunately, the Vikings had other plans, maintaining possession throughout the match, limiting the Bulldogs' chances and holding on for a 2-0 Inland Empire League victory at War Memorial Field.
"They simply wanted it more," head coach Tanner French said. "They were quicker to the first ball and they won almost every second ball."
After such a great performance against Moscow, French couldn't pinpoint exactly what changed against the Vikings. He said the whole team just seemed off and they didn't have that Bulldog spirit.
"No one was goal hungry," he said. "Nobody had that big dog mentality, nobody looked at the stadium and the setting and was like, 'This is my time.'"
The IEL foes felt each other out in the opening moments of the match, but in the 12th minute Coeur d'Alene broke through for its first goal. A corner kick played into the box ricocheted around until it found the foot of Evan Lowder, who buried a shot into the back of the net.
The Bulldogs were only able to muster two shots in the opening 40 minutes.
Sandpoint was able to generate a dangerous scoring chance to open the second half. Junior Randy Lane sent a free kick from about 30 yards out into the box and found the head of Evan Darling. The senior got a piece of the ball, but not enough to send it past the Coeur d'Alene keeper.
In the 54th minute, the Vikings added to their advantage when a cross was headed into the goal by Zakry Wenglikowski.
Sandpoint generated a few more opportunities down the stretch, but they just couldn't find that finishing touch to avoid the shutout.
French was pleased with the delivery on set pieces and thought junior goalkeeper Roman Jiles made a handful of quality saves. Jiles finished with five saves.
Coeur d'Alene outshot the Bulldogs 15-7.
French said his squad has a lot to work on.
"It's a team sport, but right now we're playing as individuals," he said.
SHS (2-2, 1-2 IEL) hosts Lakeland at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday at War Memorial Field.
First half — 1, CDA, Evan Lowder (unassisted), 12:00. Second half — 2, CDA, Zakry Wenglikowski (Alex Reyes), 54:00.
Shots — CDA 15, SHS 7.
Saves — CDA, Dylan Jones 2, Dallin Dance 3; SHS, Roman Jiles, 5.
