POST FALLS — The Bonners Ferry Badgers gave Coeur d’Alene Charter everything they had in the District 1-2 Tournament Championship game on Friday but fell 2-0. 

Bonners Ferry head coach Matt Solis said he thought the Badgers played their best game all season. However, the Panthers notched an early goal, which immediately swung the momentum into the hands of Coeur d’Alene Charter. 

“The boys played super well. Truly, if we don’t take that early goal, then who knows what happens,” Solis said. 

After conceding the goal, the Badgers stayed undeterred and launched into all-out attack mode, trying to find an equalizer on the reigning state champions. Solis said his team had opportunities against a very quality Panthers team, but the Badgers couldn’t capitalize. 

A late goal in the second half secured Coeur d’Alene Charter’s lead and helped them secure another District 1-2 title. Solis said he appreciated everyone from the bench to the fans for giving it everything they had for the full 80 minutes. 

“None of the guys ever lost faith, even after we went down 1-0,” Solis said. “It’s hard to be disappointed; you know we didn’t win a trophy, so you’re disappointed, but very proud and thankful for all the athletes and kids for giving their best effort.” 

With the loss, the Badgers will head to Sugar-Salem, a 13-2-2 team, for a 4A State Tournament play-in game on Saturday at 1 p.m. MT. The Sugar-Salem Diggers fell to Teton in the 4A Mountain Rivers Conference tournament championship but are ranked as the No. 2 team in 4A by MaxPreps. 

Bonners Ferry is ranked as the 10th best team in 4A soccer by MaxPreps and, as such, will make the eight-hour drive to Sugar-Salem to play them.  

“Our destiny is still in our own hands,” Solis said. “We’re confident. We want to play in the state tournament next weekend, so we are going to go down there and win. We don’t have a choice, we have to win.”