CALDWELL — The Badgers boys soccer finished the season with a pair of losses at the state tournament, falling to Sugar-Salem and American Falls.

The boys played Sugar-Salem on Oct.21 and lost 4-0. Since all teams at state are guaranteed two games the boys went on to play American Falls on Oct. 22. The final score was 4-0 with American Falls taking the win.

Coach Paul Bonnell said that games were closer than they seemed and the game play was exciting. Bonnell said the tournament offered a major learning opportunity for the players since they did not have state level competition within the district.

Sugar-Salem, ranked as the tournament’s third seed, went on to win the state title. Bonnell said that he didn’t feel bad losing to the state champions, especially since the Badgers held them with a scoreless game until the half.

After the half, Bonnell said Sugar-Salem unlocked how to break through the Badger defense.

Goalkeeper Trey Bateman played well at state with at least 20 saves, including two penalty kicks. Bonnell said he was impressed with Bateman, especially since this was his first year in goal. Bonnell said that the Badgers haven’t faced teams in the Intermountain League that could get as many shots on goal as the state competitors.

American Falls was the number two seed and went on to finish fourth in state. At the half it was only 1-0 for American Falls. toward the end of the second half is when the Beavers pulled ahead finishing 4-0 against Bonners Ferry.

“They were a very technical team,” said Bonnel. “We had some opportunities and came away with things to practice and plans for improvement. Although it would have been nice to score, this has been a great learning opportunity for the younger players.”

Bonnell said that at state the Badgers had to adapt their game play and the positioning of players .

It was a very good state trip, said Bonnell. It was the first time for many and gave the players the motivation and showed them how to adapt to state play and maintain that high level of play.

It was very emotional for seniors since they had not been to state since they were freshmen and last season’s issues due to COVID-19. Bonnell said that he knows the state experience gives returning players a sense of vision for what to train for in future.

Five seniors will be graduating from the team. Many juniors will be returning and there are many younger players coming up as well, Bonnell said

Bonnell said that he hopes some of the players will continue training in the off season by playing in the indoor league.

The tournament was the Badgers’ first trip to state since 2019. Last year, Bonners Ferry had a 15-year state streak snapped when they fell in the district semis to Timberlake as the top seed.

The Badgers’ lone state title came in 2007.

Overall the team record was 10-4-4 and in league the Badger record was 8-1-3. Badgers finished 3rd in 3A district 1. They finished second in the district title game against Coeur d’Alene Charter.