Cda Whitewashes Lake City, 2-0

Problems often arrive when a group of talented freshmen gets playing time over seniors that have worked four hard years to play. But Coeur d’Alene High School soccer coach David Tabakman seems to have solved this headache and it’s paying off.

Behind solid senior leadership and the raw talent of outstanding freshman Janee Andre, the visiting Vikings beat cross-town rival Lake City 2-0 at the Irma Anderl soccer complex.

Neither team could score in the first half as the Vikings (3-0 in league) took 10 shots on goal that Timberwolves (2-1-1) keeper Jeanne Russell turned back.

Play was stopped on account of lightning 30 minutes into the half by referee Jim Labrun, who had reason to worry. Earlier in his career, he was struck during a game in Spokane.

Russell continued to keep the Vikings at bay in the second half with stellar play in the net until the 51-minute mark.

After Coeur d’Alene was awarded a penalty kick for obstruction, senior co-captain Nicolette Richards arched a high kick that Russell batted away. As the ball rolled in front of the goal, a couple of Vikings had a shot at it, and sophomore Jamie Jerde converted to put the Vikings ahead.

The T-Wolves had scoring chances that were halted by the Vikings, who turned to their seniors to control the pace of play.

“Our seniors stepped up and showed why they’re the leaders by controlling the ball and rallying the team,” Tabakman said.

Andre accounted for the second goal at the 67-minute mark. The freshman, who displayed quick runs to the net and smart passing, got the ball just past midfield and drove down the left sideline before firing a shot off Russell’s hands into the net.

“I never really saw the goalie because I just concentrated on the net and slammed the shot,” she said.

Lake City coach Jim Facciano felt his team panicked after the first goal and that it was beaten by superior ball control.

“It’s tough losing to Coeur d’Alene, especially when they came in so cocky and didn’t think we would give them a good game,” Facciano said.

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