Soccer Outlook Brightens
North Idaho soccer teams have a little more breathing room than first suspected.
It was originally believed that just two boys and two girls teams would qualify for state. But state officials confirmed that North Idaho will send three of each to state.
But there’s still much to play for in league. The league champ will receive home-field advantage throughout the postseason tournament. That could prove beneficial as teams jockey for State A-1 seeding.
The boys, who have played their full season in the spring for the past 15 years, have switched to the fall to make the playing field level statewide. All southern Idaho boys teams have played their season in the fall, when the state tournament is held.
How soon could the change pay dividends for Panhandle teams? This fall.
“It’s not out of the realm of possibility to see an all-North Idaho final at state,” Lake City boys coach Jim Facciano said.
Sandpoint is a slight league favorite over LC after losing in the state semifinals last season. And Coeur d’Alene may be in the big shadow cast by Sandpoint and LC, but the Vikings consider themselves contenders for a state trophy. Moscow also believes it’s ready to challenge for a state berth.
The same four will battle for girls berths.
Sandpoint nosed out CdA by goal differential for the league title last year, and the Bulldogs went on to take third at state.
The much-heralded Viks stubbed their toe. CdA, which managed a 1-1 tie at Sandpoint last Saturday, figures in the mix for a state trophy - if not a state title - with Sandpoint.
The final berth to state should be a battle between LC and Moscow.
The boys and girls state tournaments will be held Oct. 29-31 in Pocatello.
Boys
Sandpoint took the league lead when it opened at home with victories over LC (2-0) and CdA (3-2).
LC and CdA meet in the first of two league matches Saturday at CdA at 2:30 p.m., following a 12:30 opener between the LC and CdA girls.
“It’s going to come down to Lake City, Coeur d’Alene and us,” said Sandpoint coach Randy Thoreson, who takes over for longtime coach Ed Bock. “We like where we’re sitting right now. We have a special group. They want to bring back a state title.”
So do the T-Wolves.
“Our seniors, our core, have played together since they were munchkins,” Facciano said. “We’re playing for one thing - a state championship.”
Girls
With Sandpoint selected as the top dog in league, the Bulldogs are aware everyone is out to get them.
“It’s nice to be selected as the favorite,” said firstyear coach Charlie Bell. “I guess it’s better to have the teams think you’re good than bad.”
The league title and top seeding to state will likely boil down to Sandpoint and CdA.
In addition to Sandpoint, LC, Post Falls and Bonners Ferry also have new coaches.
1. North Idaho girls soccer 2. North Idaho boys soccer