Timberwolves hand Sandpoint 4-1 defeat in season opener
DYLAN GREENE | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 4 years, 3 months AGO
Sophomore Eoin Eddy heads a ball forward on a throw-in during Friday's game against Lake City at War Memorial Field.
(Photo by DYLAN GREENE)
Aidan Smith tries to track down a Lake City player on Friday.
(Photo by DYLAN GREENE)
Evan Darling heads the ball forward on a throw-in on Friday.
(Photo by DYLAN GREENE)
Henry Barnes fights for possession of the ball with a Lake City player on Friday.
(Photo by DYLAN GREENE)
Keyan Strock tracks down a ball on Friday.
(Photo by DYLAN GREENE)
Nolan Angell kicks the ball forward on Friday.
(Photo by DYLAN GREENE)
Randy Lane prepares to pass the ball to a teammate during a game against Lake City on Aug. 20 at War Memorial Field.
(Photo by DYLAN GREENE)
Shane Griffin fights for possession of the ball with a Lake City player on Friday.
(Photo by DYLAN GREENE)
Stirling Roget heads a ball in the box during Friday's game.
(Photo by DYLAN GREENE)
Defender Tyler Bangle fights a Lake City player for possession of the ball on Friday.
(Photo by DYLAN GREENE)
SANDPOINT — The Sandpoint boys soccer team shook off the rust and strapped on the cleats for the first time this fall on Friday night at War Memorial Field.
Unfortunately, the Bulldogs were unable to deliver the home crowd a victory as they fell to Lake City 4-1 in Inland Empire League action.
It wasn't the start head coach Tanner French was hoping for, but he realizes it's a long season full of ups and downs.
"They're still learning to play with each other and they're learning a new formation, but I'm comfortable with what we're doing," he said.
The Timberwolves were the aggressor early as Sandpoint goalkeeper Roman Jiles was forced to make a difficult save in the second minute on a Lake City corner.
In the 10th minute, the Bulldogs got a free kick from about 20 yards out. Senior Nolan Angell stepped up and fired a ball into the box that found the head of junior Evan Dickinson, who hit the ball just wide of the net.
About five minutes later, Lake City broke through for the first score of the game. Jiles made a save on a shot by Lake City's Noah Janzen, but the rebound found the foot of Kohrt Weber, who buried it to make it 1-0.
Just before halftime, the Timberwolves sent a ball from beyond midfield into the box and Weber sent another one past Jiles to give Lake City a 2-0 advantage after 40 minutes.
The Timberwolves broke the ice in the second half when a foul by Sandpoint in the box allowed Bryce Allred to score a penalty kick goal in the 54th minute.
Facing a 3-0 deficit, the Bulldogs kept fighting and were finally able to get on the scoreboard in the 60th minute. A free kick by senior Canyon Nash was deflected in the box and the ball ricocheted around until it found the boot of freshman Henry Barnes. He settled the ball down and found the back of the net to bury his first career varsity goal.
French said Barnes brought a spark to the Bulldogs' attack in the second half and he expects him to be an integral part of the midfield this season.
"I think that Henry has the potential to be a phenomenal player, but he needs to learn that's going to come with time," French said. "I guarantee there aren't too many freshmen that can say they scored on their debut with the varsity squad."
Keyan Strock and Evan Darling both had quality scoring chances down the stretch, but Lake City scored in the 67th minute to seal the win.
"Overall, I'm not entirely disappointed," French said. "Definitely some true colors were shown tonight, positive and negative, and that's what happens when you have your first go against a squad like Lake City ... and unfortunately you can't be at your potential after 10 days of practice."
Shane Griffin stepped in net for a few minutes and made a pair of saves when Jiles had to be taken out of the game in the 32nd minute due to a yellow card.
French said the scoreline wasn't indicative of how close the match was and there were definitely some things he saw that the Bulldogs could build off of it.
"I know that this will be a very positive season," he said. "It will be an eye opening one for the younger players, but it's game one and there were plenty of bright spots."
Sandpoint (0-1, 0-1 IEL) will head to Lewiston at noon next Saturday, Aug. 28.
First half — 1, Lake City, Kohrt Weber (Noah Janzen), 15:00. 2, Lake City, Kohrt Weber (unassisted), 39:00. Second half — 3, Lake City, Bryce Allred (penalty kick), 54:00. 1, Sandpoint, Henry Barnes (Evan Dickinson), 60:00. 4, Lake City, Bryce Allred (unassisted), 67:00.
Shots — Sandpoint 10. Lake City 20.
Saves — Sandpoint, Roman Jiles 8, Shane Griffin 2. Lake City, Tyler Allred 6.
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