PREP SOCCER: Lake City boys, Coeur d'Alene girls fall in state play-in matches

Centennial 2

Lake City 1

MIDDLETON — The Patriots scored in the final minute of the first half and the first minute of the second half to oust the Timberwolves in a state play-in game at Middleton High.

Lake City, which finished in a three-way tie for the 5A Inland Empire League title, and lost at home to Post Falls in the regional championship match, finished 8-3-3.

“The guys looked great today and proved we were worthy 5A representatives of North Idaho,” Lake City coach Alan Rich. “It was probably the best game we played all year and I honestly don’t think we could have played much better than we did. We challenged and won virtually every 50/50 ball, our defense was awesome, we owned the midfield and our forwards were a constant threat, creating multiple opportunities.”

Rich said the T-Wolves dominated the first 39 minutes. Centennial was awarded a penalty kick in the 40th minute, and Jai Solis converted for the game’s first score. Solis scored again in the first minute of the second half to make it 2-0.

Lake City had a goal waved off on an offside call in the 60th minute, then Daniel Rojo scored on an assist from Bryce Allred to pull the Timberwolves within one goal.

Centennial (10-5-0) will face Rocky Mountain of Meridian in its state opener Thursday at 9 a.m. at Coeur d’Alene High.

“I am proud of the team for their great season and sad for the seniors whose season was abruptly cut short,” said Rich, who was trying to guide Lake City to state for the third straight year, and fourth in his five seasons as coach. “I wouldn’t have changed anything we did today — we got the tactics, lineup and formation correct, but in the end we came home with nothing to show for it. Although our season has come to an end, I’m thankful that we were able to actually have a season, which is more than most high schools across the country can say.”

First half — 1, Cent, Jai Solis (penalty kick), 40:00. 2, Cent, Solis (unassisted), 41:00. 3, LC, Daniel Rojo (Bryce Allred), 70:00.

Shots on goal — LC 12, Cent 5.

Saves — LC, Tyler Allred 3; Cent, Roark Looney 8.

Mountain View 4

Coeur d'Alene 2

MIDDLETON — The Vikings' bid to return to state for the second straight year fell short with the loss to the Mavericks in a state 5A play-in match at Middleton High.

Coeur d'Alene, last year's consolation champions at state, finished 9-3-2.

Mountain View (9-5-1) opens state vs. Boise (11-0-0) on Thursday at 11:30 a.m. at Lake City High.