Bulldogs, Vikings soccer showdown ends in tie

SANDPOINT – Despite an impressive first-half performance, the Sandpoint Bulldogs only came away with a come-from-behind 1-1 tie Tuesday night after facing off against rival Coeur d’Alene at War Memorial Field.

The Bulldogs played hard, but in the end weren't able to convert that effort into goals, Sandpoint coach Tanner French said.

“I’m extremely proud of the effort they put in,” French said. “We just didn’t take advantage of all our opportunities.”

To start the first half, the Vikings implemented a new lineup and strategy adjustments with the hopes of throwing Sandpoint off. However, despite heading into halftime up by one, the adjustments largely had the opposite effect, with Sandpoint mostly controlling the flow of play.

Vikings coach Braden Ridgewell said that, going into Sandpoint, his team knew that it would have its work cut out for it.

“We knew we would have to step up, or they would walk all over us,” he said.

Viking Sophomore Liam Martin scored Coeur d’Alene’s lone goal at the 36-minute mark with an impressive header, quickly followed by an equally impressive celebratory front flip.

Even though they were down by one, the Bulldogs’ effort never wavered and they were able to tie it up at the 61-minute mark with a goal from junior Eoin Eddy.

“It was a solid 80-minute effort,” French said.

Sandpoint ended up outshooting Coeur d’Alene 9-5.

Sandpoint (8-0-3) has back-to-back home games, as they will host the Lakeland Hawks Wednesday at War Memorial Field and also honor their seniors.

Coeur d’Alene (6-1-2) plays host to Moscow on Saturday.

Coeur d'Alene 1, Sandpoint 1

First half — 1, CDA, Liam Martin, 36:00. Second half — 2, SHS — Eoin Eddy (Randy Lane), 61:00

Shots on goal — Cd'A 5, SHS 9

Saves — Spt, Roman Giles 3. Cd'A, unknown