STATE 5A GIRLS SOCCER CHAMPIONSHIP: Sandpoint second after coming up just short in title match

AMMON — It wasn't the way the No. 4-seeded Bulldogs wanted to end their season, but it was still a season to remember.

Second place on the biggest stage Idaho high school sports has to offer is no joke, especially after a Sandpoint season filled with adversity.

The Bulldogs, bidding for a repeat state title, fell 1-0 to the third-seeded Pocatello Thunder in the championship game of the state 5A girls soccer tournament Saturday at Hillcrest High.

"It's not the ending we wanted, but given the start of the season and the incredible comeback to win districts, taking out the No. 1 seed, and holding Pocatello to only one goal is some success we can build on as a program," first-year Sandpoint coach Alan Brinkmeier said. 

Sandpoint was playing for its 10th state title all-time and for back-to-back state titles — which was last accomplished during the 2013 and 2014 seasons under coach Conor Baranski.

Pocatello, which had 10 shots on goal compared to Sandpoint's three, captured its first girls state title in school history.

The Thunder's goal was scored during the 31st minute when senior Lexi Wells was able to create a one-on-one chance after receiving a through ball from fellow senior Hailee Pool.

Sandpoint had a goal in the first half that was called back. Brinkmeier and his staff were puzzled as to the reason why.

"After that, we couldn't generate any great chances," Brinkmeier said. "The 50-50 balls killed us this game. I am not sure we won any balls cleared or distributed by Lil."

Senior Lilliana Brinkmeier was busy in between the posts for the Bulldogs, who didn't record a shot on goal in the second half. In the last game of her high school career, she posted an impressive nine saves.

"Lil kept us in every game and today was no different," Brinkmeier said. "The only goals we gave up this tournament were two one-on-ones that hit off the inside post, and I'm not sure anyone could have saved those."

Sandpoint finished 11-6-2, and with just four graduating seniors (Marlee McCrum, Lilliana Brinkmeier, Ayla Hull and Maddie Mitchell), they'll look to make another similar run next year.

Brinkmeier said he was proud of his seniors: Mitchell fought through a hip injury all season but battled every game, McCrum was the hero the team needed in a few games, and Hull was always positive and willing to go out and give it her all, no matter what position the coaching staff put her.

"The program, staff and players will truly miss this senior class," coach Brinkmeier said. "I could not be more proud of this team and the senior leaders we had."

First half — 1, Poc, Lexi Wells (Hailee Pool), 31:00. Second half — None.

Shots on goal — Spt 3, Poc 10.

Saves — Spt, Lilliana Brinkmeier 9. Poc— Kira Jorgensem 3.