Bulldogs earn state title

CALDWELL, Idaho – Last season, the Sandpoint boys soccer team failed to qualify for the state tournament.

On Saturday afternoon, the Bulldogs proved last year’s absence was the exception, not the rule.

Senior captain Tanner French scored two goals as the Bulldogs dominated the 4A state championship match from start to finish, beating Columbia 5-1 in front of several hundred fans at Syringa Middle School.

Sandpoint has now won six of the nine state titles since soccer became a sanctioned sport in 2000.

“It’s a legacy, and it’s a great one,” said Sandpoint coach Randy Thoreson, who has been at the helm of all six championships. “Our community supports soccer like no other community that I’ve ever seen. We have great backing from our administration and great athletes. We’re proud of what we do.”

That pride – wounded after a rare one-year hiatus from the state tournament – was restored in full by a dominant three-day weekend. The Bulldogs dusted Hillcrest 4-0 in the opening round on Thursday and took care of Jerome 3-1 in Friday’s semifinal.

Saturday’s title match was one-sided from the outset. The Bulldogs applied constant early pressure on Columbia goalkeeper Dustin Palmer, who made several spectacular saves.

Midway through the first half, Sandpoint finally broke through. Senior defender Ben Murray sent an arcing corner kick to the goalmouth, and junior Zac Linscott was there to head the ball past Palmer for a 1-0 lead.

The Bulldogs increased their lead to 2-0 minutes later, when French blasted a shot that just squeezed in after hitting the crossbar.

“It was unbelievable,” French said of his goal, the eventual game-winner. “It hit the crossbar, and I didn’t think it was going in. It was the most exhilarating thing ever.”

Sandpoint continued its assault in the second half. Senior Spencer Swerin made it 3-0, converting a quick shot off a pass from Linscott in front of the net.

Late in the game, senior Corey Hoffman scored on a breakaway and French added his second goal from just outside the penalty area after a touch pass from Tanner Williams.

Columbia captain Richard Quiroz scored the Wildcats’ lone goal on a late free kick, bending a shot over the head of Sandpoint goalie Shawnn Carlson.

Sandpoint finished the season with a record of 19-1. When it was over, Thoreson choked up as he talked about his team, particularly the nine seniors.

French, Murray, Hoffman, Carlson, Swerin, Jack Miller, Colter Sigman, Forrest Andrews and Clayton Weme all will graduate in the spring.

“The chemistry with this group has been really special,” Thoreson said, fighting back tears. “There is some (Division I college) talent on this team, but there are no prima donnas. They play as a team, they play for each other, and they always have.”