Bulldogs advance; ready for showdown with Knights

CALDWELL — Sandpoint took care of business for the second straight day at the 4A state girls soccer tournament, setting up one of the most anticipated championship games since Idaho started holding state soccer tournaments in 2000.

Corinne Ariss scored early and Sierra Scott late, as the Bulldogs (12-3-4) recorded their second consecutive shutout, downing Middleton 2-0 on Friday in a semi final match at Brothers Field in Caldwell.

“We honestly should have put the game away in the first 15 minutes, instead we had to fight and claw and scratch for everything, every ball,” said Bulldogs head coach Conor Baranski, whose team couldn’t capitalize on a couple of great chances. “We didn’t play particularly well, but we grinded it out, persevered.”

Emma Weme assisted on both goals, and now has tallied five in two state games, including three by way of corner kicks. The defense was once again rock-solid, holding Middleton to just three shots on goal, and while goalie Makayla Sundquist hasn’t been all that busy, she has come up big when called upon.

Corinne Ariss, Madi Schoening, Alanna Robinson and Ashtyn Evans have teamed up to limit the first two opponent’s chances on defense. Ariss rolled her ankle against Middleton, and will be a game time decision for today’s final. Her speed, physicality and leadership are essential to the Bulldogs, and will tough to replace if she can’t go.

Many of the Bulldogs have been waiting two years for another crack at 4A champion Bishop Kelly, and they’ll finally get that chance today. The Knights lasted tasted defeat in the 2009 state championship game, won 3-2 by the Bulldogs. The emerging rivalry continued to grow in the 2010 and 2011 championships, both won by the Knights, who boast a wealth of team speed.

The Knights beat Century 4-0 in the other semi, running their record to 20-0-1, with the lone tie coming against Middleton. Baranski and his team had a chance to scout the Knights on Thursday, and liked what they saw.

“They’re most definitely beatable. If we come to play, there’s no question we can win. I’d love to break their streak,” said Baranski. “They remind me a lot of our team, possession oriented. It will be a good matchup.”

Each program owns five 4A state titles. The championship will be shown live on Idahosports.com, with first kick at 3:30 p.m. PST.

First half — 1, Spt, Corinne Ariss (Emma Weme), 12:00. Second half — 2, Spt, Sierra Scott (Weme), 83:00.

Shots on goal — Mid 3, Spt 9.

Saves — Middleton, 7; Spt, Makayla Sundquist, 3.