Sandpoint 1, Lake City 0

COEUR d'ALENE — Senior Logan McGrann rocketed a penalty kick into the back of the net during the 78th minute and the visiting Bulldogs held on for a 1-0 victory in their season-opening 6A/5A Inland Empire League match against the Timberwolves Saturday afternoon.

A bit nervous in the last five minutes of the game, Sandpoint wasn't sure they were going to get the result they thought they deserved, but pushed hard to get the job done. Sophomore forward Alvaro Santos was the one who went on a run into the box, earning the penalty kick for McGrann.

Sandpoint High head coach Dan Anderson said the team went into the game knowing they had to set the tone for the season — and he felt that his Bulldogs very much did that with their first win over Lake City since 2022.

"We absolutely followed the game plan," coach Anderson said. "I felt we dominated the game. Our back line was composed on the ball and very hard to break down. Our midfield controlled the game and transitioned from attack to defense quickly, won the ball back for us, and sprung forward on the counter attack well."

Anderson said junior goalkeeper Landon Brinkmeier, who had three saves in the contest, was also calm, cool and collected when he needed to be.

"Hats off to the boys; it was a real team effort today and everyone contributed," coach Anderson said. "We're looking forward to keeping the ball rolling."

Sandpoint (1-0) will travel to Post Falls on Monday.