MOSCOW — Despite controlling much of the second half, an early two-goal deficit proved too much for the Sandpoint boys soccer team to overcome as they fell 2-1 to Jerome on Saturday in Moscow. 

The Jerome Tigers quickly jumped out to their two-goal advantage, scoring in the 15th and 21st minutes. While Sandpoint head coach Dan Anderson said both goals were easily avoidable, his team was able to respond in the first half. 

Quality play in the midfield helped open up an opportunity for junior Deacon Schicker to send in a cross toward the Tigers’ goal. In the 37th minute, Schicker’s cross found the foot of freshman forward Will Piehl, who laid the ball forward for sophomore Wesley Drube to once again find the back of the net for his second goal of the season.  

With the goal right before half, Anderson said his team had the momentum in the second half and threw everything it had at Jerome. However, Sandpoint wasn’t able to get past Jerome’s goalkeeper, who totaled seven saves on the day. 

Sandpoint’s star goalkeeper Landon Brinkmeier totaled six saves against the Tigers. 

“Probably should have capitalized on the dominance and scored a few more goals,” Anderson said. “Overall, very happy with our second half and our ability to claw our way back into the game." 

Anderson said the coaching staff is going to continue to challenge the Bulldogs in their preparation. 

“I’d say as a team we have a little bit of growing up to do in that aspect, but I back the boys to make these adjustments and go all in on our season,” Anderson said. 

The Bulldogs are back in action on Wednesday with an away showdown against 4A powerhouse Coeur d’Alene Charter at 6 p.m. Sandpoint then returns home on Thursday for a game against Lakeland at the Field of Dreams complex in Ponderay at 6 p.m.