Lakeland stymied by 'Dogs

RATHDRUM - Facing at least two or three Sandpoint defenders at a time Tuesday in 4A Inland Empire League boys soccer play, Lakeland could not get its attack going.

The Hawks only mustered two shots on goal against a wall of a Bulldogs defense that featured four defenders back nearly the entire game, losing 2-0 at Rotary Field.

"It was tough to get any shots on goal," Lakeland coach Andrew Craig said. "There were times when we were pretty good. It's finding that one person that wants to get the ripoff for us."

The game featured the last two 4A Region 1 champions. Sandpoint won on Lakeland's field last year to advance to state, after Lakeland won at Sandpoint the year before.

Sandpoint (4-2-1, 1-0 4A IEL) scored its first goal in the 13th minute, off a corner kick. Midfielder Jeremiah Gagnon scored on a wide-open chance, on an assist by Ashland Dills. Gagnon scored on the far post on an attack from the right-hand side, facing the goal.

"We've been real organized the past two games on defense," Bulldog coach Adam Tajan said. "We moved Aaron Crossingham to the back and it's really helped us and organized our back line. Offenisve production was a little hit and miss, we generated chances but couldn't find the finishing touches. But we got the ones we needed and got the win."

Sandpoint scored its second goal in the second half, in the 55th minute. Forward Joab Logan scored in open space, on an assist by Treavor Franck.

"We didn't know quite what to expect from Lakeland," Tajan said. "It'll be a battle the next time we face them."

A vital play occurred in the 47th minute. Forward Fernando Pimentel of Lakeland (2-7, 0-1) appeared to be dragged down by a Bulldog player in the penalty box, but the referee did not call a foul. The score was 1-0 Sandpoint at the time and Lakeland's chance at an equalizer went unfulfilled.

"If that foul would've been called, I guarantee you it would've changed the momentum of the game," Craig said. "We were pretty upset."

The Bulldogs got a penalty kick when Lakeland was called for a foul in the 31st minute, but Hawks goalkeeper Cade Coffey made a diving left-handed save that stunted another chance by Gagnon. Coffey's other big save was a leaping one-handed stop in the 18th minute. Coffey finished with seven saves.

"That was the same foul that Sandpoint got their call on. But that's the referee's decision," Craig said.

Free kicks by Collin Millette and Pimentel both missed high for Lakeland.

Lakeland freshman midfielder Austin Garitone had a free kick in the 53rd minute, but it was right at Sandpoint goalie Jake Rookey.

"There were moments when we flowed well," Craig said. "We know what we need to do against them now, so we'll build for the next time we face them."

First half - 1, Spt, Jeremiah Gagnon (Ashland Dills), 13:00. Second half - 2, Spt, Joab Logan (Treavor Franck), 55:00.

Shots on goal - Spt 9, LL 2.

Saves - Spt, Jake Rookey 2. LL, Cade Coffey 7.