Keyes, Gagnon lead Bulldogs into championship
IDAHO FALLS — They’re back.
After missing out on the state tournament the past two years, the Bulldog boys entered the 2012 4A state soccer tournament in Idaho Falls intent on restoring order to a program spoiled with state championships.
Only one more hurdle remains to add a state-best eighth banner to the tally, after the Bulldogs (13-5-2) dispatched Wood River (13-2-4) by the score of 2-0 on Friday, earning a berth in today’s state championship.
Austin Keyes was stellar in goal, earning his fifth shutout of the season, and Jeremiah Gagnon and Anthony Fox scored second half goals to lead the streaking Bulldogs to their second straight shutout, and sixth straight win overall.
“Austin played great and made some huge saves. He played lights out and really organized for us,” said Bulldogs head coach Adam Tajan of his senior keeper. “We hung in there and didn’t panic after the first half, when we didn’t play that well.”
Gagnon scored his 12th goal of the season when he out-jumped the defense to head in a free kick from Zach Couch, giving the Bulldogs a 1-0 lead in the 51st minute and removing much of the pressure from a scoreless game.
“As soon as we got one, it got us out of first gear,” described Tajan. “Then it was Wood River on their heels, with Sandpoint coming at them.”
Fox added his 15th goal of the year in the 64th minute for insurance, gathering a nice through ball from Gagnon and slotting it past the keeper with a slick finish.
The back four of Jeff Rokstad, Zach Couch, Hunter King and Nathan Schwartz was once again solid, limiting the Wolverines to just four shots on goal, keeping their sheet clean during the tournament.
The Bulldogs will look to take down another one-loss team today, when they face No. 1 seed Skyview (18-1-2) in the championship. The Hawks feature a ton of speed up top in the attack, and Tajan said after scouting them that it should be a big time battle.
Tajan, who coached the Sandpoint girls teams to four state titles, knows full well how to prepare a team for the championship. He said the key to winning his first title as the boys coach will be remembering what got the team there, and playing to their strengths.
“Empty the tank and leave it all on the field,” said Tajan of the final. “It’s what you’ve been dreaming about and working for since you were a little kid. You want to take advantage of the opportunity.”
Kickoff for the state championship game is 3 p.m. (PST) in Idaho Falls.
First half — None. Second half — 1, Spt, Jeremiah Gagnon (Zach Couch), 51:00. 2, Spt, Anthony Fox (Gagnon), 64:00.
Shots on goal — WR — 4, Spt 7.
Saves — Wood River 4; Spt, Austin Keyes, 4.