Swerin leads Bulldogs into championship

CALDWELL - Senior midfielder Spencer Swerin had a monster game, scoring two goals and leading Sandpoint past previously undefeated Jerome 3-1 Friday in the semis of the 4A boys state soccer tournament at Brothers Park in Caldwell.

After falling behind 1-0 to Jerome (18-1-1), Swerin finished two Ben Murray assists late in the first half to give Sandpoint (17-1) all of the cushion they would need.

"Spencer was dynamite, man of the match for sure. He worked his butt off on both sides of the ball," said head coach Randy Thoreson, calling it a very well played game by both teams.

Junior Zac Linscott marked up on Jerome's best player, holding in check a player who had scored more than 30 goals on the season. Thoreson had high praise for his back four of Anders Nostdahl, Forrest Andrews, Tanner French and Jansen Rinck, saying they were pressured more than in any game so far this season.

Daniel Anderson scored his 17th goal of the season late in the game for insurance. Swerin now has nine goals on the season to go with nine assists. Thoreson called his second goal the nicest he's seen all season.

"He took the ball on the outside, spun and beat his defender," described Thoreson. "He created space and rocketed a shot at a slim angle into the back of the net."

Sandpoint, which has now outscored it's opponents 70-6 on the season, will play Columbia (13-8-3) today for its 6th state title. Thoreson said it's the one team they weren't able to scout, and isn't sure what to expect. The newer high school in Nampa knocked off Bonneville and Century to make it to the title game.

The game starts at 2 p.m. at Syringa Middle School in Caldwell.

First half - 1, Jerome, 23:00. 2, Spt, Spencer Swerin (Ben Murray), 35:00. 3, Spt, Swerin (Murray), 38:00. Second half - 4, Spt, Daniel Anderson (Jansen Rinck), 75:00.

Shots on goal - Spt 14, Jer 8.

Saves - Spt, Shawnn Carlson 3; Jer, Roman Vasquez 3.