Sandpoint 1, Lake City 1

SANDPOINT — After a scoreless first half, freshman Wesley Drube put the Bulldogs on the board during the 63rd minute with his third goal of the season, but a 50-yard free kick goal by the Timberwolves forced a tie in Thursday night's 6A/5A Inland Empire League matchup at War Memorial Field.

Sandpoint High head coach Dan Anderson said he thought his team started the game off on the front foot — a testament to their hard work in correcting slow starts.

"Despite a strong first half, we struggled to turn that dominance into goals," coach Anderson said. "The second half was a battle."

During the 50th minute, goalkeeper Landon Brinkmeier, who had four saves on the evening, made a stellar save during a penalty kick to keep the game at 0-0. The junior dove to the bottom left corner of the net to make the save, and after the play concluded with an out of bounds, was met by a huddle of excited teammates.

Building off that momentum, junior Knox Williams put together a beautiful run and pass that was finished off with determination by Drube to give Sandpoint the 1-0 lead.

However, with roughly 30 seconds left on a free kick from 50 yards out, Lake City High senior goalkeeper Lukas Ruchti lasered a once-in-a-lifetime shot into the top right corner of the net to force the 1-1 draw.

"After we took the lead, our defending of it was sloppy with too many turnovers and unnecessary fouls that put us under pressure," Anderson said. "But overall, I'm proud of the boys and the way they approached the game. They really came to play today ... there were so many good things out there and so much to build on."

Sandpoint (6-1-1) hosts Lewiston on Saturday for a 5A Inland Empire League game at the Field of Dreams in Ponderay.

1st half — none. 2nd half — 1, SPT, Wesley Drube (Knox Williams), 63'. 2, LC, Lukas Ruchti (free kick), 79'. 

Shots on goal: SPT — 8. LC — 5.

Saves: SPT — Landon Brinkmeier 4. LC — Lukas Ruchti 7.