Kiebert, Scott power Bulldogs past Vikings

SANDPOINT — It was a lunch pail type of game for Sandpoint in a 2-1 nonleague win over Coeur d’Alene in a girls soccer season opener on Thursday at War Memorial Field.

Nan Kiebert, who seemed to be all over the pitch, made a strong run up the sideline in the first half, beating two defenders and firing a 20 yard strike from a sharp angle to put the Bulldogs (1-0-0) up 1-0.

The Vikings (0-2) scored the equalizer in the 73rd minute when Josee Bassett scored off an assist from Maggie Vietri. The lead was short-lived, as Sierra Scott punched in a loose ball in front of the net two minutes later for the game winning goal.

“They’re continuing with how they’ve trained for the past few weeks,” said Bulldogs head coach Conor Baranski, calling his team hard working. “That was a game we had to grind out, and they did exactly that.”

Baranski singled out the play of Corinne Ariss for controlling the tempo of the game from the midfield, and also praised a back four that features three new players.

“I thought they were very organized,” said Baranksi of his defense. “That’s exactly what I wanted.”

First year Vikings head coach Andy Vredenburg praised the play of Cori Haney in defeat.

“She gave her heart and soul out there,” said Vredenburg. “What it comes down to is Sandpoint wanted it more than us.”

The Bulldogs are at Mt. Spokane on Saturday.

First half — 1, Spt, Nan Kiebert (Emma Weme), 22:00. Second half — 2, Cd’A, Josee Bassett (Maggie Vietri), 73:00. 3, Spt, Sierra Scott (Weme), 78:00.

Shots on goal — Spt 10, Cd’A 12.

Saves — Spt, Makayla Sundquist, 5; Cd’A, Maddie Williams 2, Sam Lane 4.