RATHDRUM - The Lakeland High boys soccer team is getting closer to the rest of the pack in the three-team 4A Inland Empire League.

But to get past Sandpoint and Moscow and qualify for state for the first time in school history, they'll have to hit the road after tying the Moscow Bears 1-1 at the Rotary Soccer Complex on Thursday, giving the Bears the No. 2 seed to the 4A Region 1 tournament in less than three weeks.

"That first half was the best we've played all season," Lakeland coach Nick Haynes said. "We tried a different lineup today and I was real pleased with the team's effort."

Moscow (5-5-1, 1-2-1 4A IEL) beat Lakeland 2-1 on Aug. 29 in Moscow, and will be the No. 2 seed to the regional tournament after keeping Lakeland (6-4-3, 0-2-1) from the win. Lakeland will travel to Moscow in the first round, with the winner playing at top-seeded Sandpoint for the region's lone berth to state.

"They're definitely a competitive team," Moscow coach Mark Quinn said. "They're probably a little frustrated right now. They're are a lot better team than their record indicates. No. 17 (Malte Noergaard) killed us today. They're a physical team."

Lakeland will finish league play Oct. 1 against Sandpoint at Corbit Field. Lakeland lost 2-1 at Sandpoint on Sept. 6.

Lakeland moved junior Tanner Beadles from a defender to midfield for Thursday's key league match.

"Our guys are disappointed with the tie, but our guys played well," Haynes said. "We wanted to win and had our chances, we just couldn't finish them."

After a scoreless first half, Moscow midfielder Simon Jackson split the Lakeland defense to give the Bears a 1-0 lead in the 60th minute.

Two minutes later, Lakeland defender Malte Noergaard hit the back of the net on a pass from Beadles to tie the score at 1-1.

“He’s a pretty fast defender,” said Haynes of Noergaard, an exchange student from Denmark.

“I saw it the last time we played them,” Noergaard said. “I had an advantage on the defender and knew I was faster than he was.”

Moscow goalkeeper Tanner Jones made a diving save late in the second half on a Noergaard shot to keep the score tied at 1-1.

“We’ve been able to play with some really good possessions,” Noergaard said. “Everyone is fighting for the ball right now. We had some really good communication today.”

Noergaard’s communication with his teammates, after being with them a couple of weeks, is also improving.

“My English is not so good yet,” Noergaard said. “But I think I’m beginning to learn in the football (soccer) matches.”

Freshman Cade Coffey had five saves for Lakeland.

“We didn’t even know if he was going to play today,” Haynes said. “He got stung by a bee in the hand (Tuesday at practice), but was out there for us. He’s been playing great for us all year long.”

Quinn added that judging by Thursday’s outcome, the regional tournament could be wide open this year.

“It’s going to be one tough district tournament,” Quinn said. “It’s always fairly equal. Lakeland’s a good team and should have a good rest of the season.”

Haynes agreed.

“We’re excited for districts,” he said. “We’re all pretty even right now.”

First half — none. Second half — 1, Mos, Simon Jackson (unassisted), 60:00. 2, LL, Malte Noergaard (Tanner Beadles), 62:00.

Shots on goal — Mos 8, LL 7.

Saves — Mos, Tanner Jones 4; LL, Cade Coffey 5.