SANDPOINT — Kendall Stratton and Nichole Pagano each scored an early goal to give Sandpoint a 2-0 lead, but it was all Moscow from there, as the Bears rallied for a 4-2 win Thursday afternoon in 4A North Inland Empire League girls soccer action at Centennial Field.

The Bulldogs (0-3-2, 0-1 4A IEL) were playing without arguably their top two offensive players in Meghan Pagano and Ellie Engel, each of whom was sitting out with an injury. Despite the four goals allowed, Bulldogs head coach Julie Pitre had high praise for the physical play of defender Courtney Windju.

“She won every 50/50 ball that came in her vicinity,” described Pitre, adding her team will focus on fitness and staying behind the ball on defense in the future, and will give Moscow a much different game the next time around.

The road doesn’t get any easier for the Bulldogs, who travel to take on GSL power Ferris on Saturday.

First half — 1, Spt, Kendall Stratton (unassisted), 10:20. 2, Spt, Nichole Pagano (Melinda Van Dyk), 17:00. 3, Mos, Kylie Gorton (unassisted), 24:00. 4, Mos, Sarah Blum (Brook Springer), 32:00. Second half — 5, Mos, Gorton (unassisted), 55:00. 6, Mos, Blum (Veronica Ewers), 65:00.

Shots on goal — Mos 14, Spt 9.

Saves — Mos, Hailey Couture 6; Spt, Bailey Scrimsher 10.