PREP SOCCER: Sandpoint boys, girls beat Lakeland with ease; Priest River boys fall in final minute

Boys Soccer

Sandpoint 3, Lakeland 0

RATHDRUM — Sandpoint extended its winning streak to four games after defeating Lakeland 3-0 at Lakeland High School on Wednesday.

Jett Longanecker continues to contribute for the Bulldogs on all fronts. Longanecker gave the Bulldogs a 1-0 halftime lead, scoring on a breakaway during the 30th minute.

In the second half, Eoin Eddy scored on a pass from Luke Leavitt to extend the Bulldogs’ lead. To cap off the 3-0 victory, Henry Barnes scored off a great ball from Noah Wagner.

“We have to give credit to Lakeland for their efforts today,” head coach Tanner French said. “They were a different team and we were unable to sustain a rhythm. We couldn’t seem to find the combinations we had last night, and mental fatigue was a factor without a doubt. All in all, the win outweighs poor play at the end of the day, but we need to overcome the mental aspects of playing back-to-back days for us to succeed in the coming weeks.”

Sandpoint (8-3) will look forward to facing Lake City Tuesday in their regular season finale.

First half — 1, Spt, J. Longanecker, 30’. Second half — 2, Spt, Eddy (Leavitt), 50’. 3, Spt, Barnes (Wagner), 65’.

Shots on goal — Sandpoint 13, Lakeland 5.

Saves — Sandpoint, Kai Longanecker, 5. Lakeland, Jacob Ludwick, 9.

ICA 3, Priest River 2

PRIEST RIVER — Priest River goalkeeper Baylor White had 20 saves in a game against Immaculate Conception Academy that came down to the final minute Wednesday.

The teams not only had to battle each other, but had to battle with the field itself as conditions were muddy from all of the day’s rain. However, Priest River was not deterred. Just two minutes into the game, the Spartans got on the board thanks to a goal from Carson Hughes.

During the 18th minute, Henry White scored on a great lead pass from Connor Stevens to extend the Spartans lead to two goals, but ICA would slowly mount a comeback.

Before halftime, the Cristeros got on the board during the 20th minute and then again two minutes into the second half to tie the game 2-2. After battling the entire second half, the Spartans would fall just short as ICA scored during the 80th minute before the final whistle blew.

Priest River (2-8) will travel to Orofino Friday to take on the Maniacs.

1st half — 1, PR, C. Hughes (unassisted), 2’. 2, PR, H. White (C. Stevens), 18’. 3, ICA (unknown), 20’. 2nd half — 4, ICA (unknown), 42’. 5, ICA (unknown), 80’.

Shots on goal — Priest River 4. ICA 23.

Saves — Priest River, Baylor White 20. ICA, unknown 2.

Girls Soccer

Sandpoint 4, Lakeland 1

SANDPOINT — Sandpoint took care of the visiting Hawks on Wednesday night, winning 4-1 on a cold drizzly night at War Memorial Field.

The Bulldogs had a couple of close chances in the first half, but ultimately, the score remained 0-0 as the game headed into halftime. However, the second half was an entirely different story.

Sandpoint got on the board quickly. During the 43rd minute, Elia Howard was able to break the tie, scoring off a great lead pass from Aliya Strock. Strock scored the next two goals for Sandpoint, one during the 61st minute and one during the 67th minute to give the Bulldogs a 3-0 lead.

Lakeland’s Katie Cameron would net a goal late in the second half, but the Bulldogs answered. During the final minute of play, Lakeland goalkeeper Ruby McIntosh picked up a ball outside of the box near the corner and Sandpoint's Mackenzie Mitchell capitalized on the mistake, scoring on the ensuing free kick to give the Bulldogs a 4-1 victory.

“I told the team we had all the excuses in the world tonight,” head coach Conor Baranski said. “Rain, cold, playing in a tough game last night, and most importantly, being down four out of our 11 starters… We struggled mightily in the first half, so we challenged the players to solve the problems on the field and lift each other up for the second half. We scored very quickly; the team responded really well to the challenge.”

Sandpoint (7-3-3) will travel to Spokane Friday to take on Mead.

1st half – None. 2nd half – 1, SPT, Howard (Strock), 43’. 2, SPT, Strock (unassisted), 56’. 3, SPT, Strock (Bayah Ratigan), 61’. 4, LL, Cameron (Addie Forsman), 67’. 5, SPT, Mackenzie Mitchell (free kick), 80’.

Shots on goal – Sandpoint 6. Lakeland 3.

Saves – Sandpoint, Izzy Stark 3. Lakeland, Ruby McIntosh 3.