Allen goal propels Bulldogs past Trojans

SANDPOINT — A solid defensive effort and a timely second half goal by senior Roan Allen helped lead Sandpoint to a 1-0 shutout win over Post Falls in nonleague boys soccer under the lights of War Memorial Field on Tuesday night.

Kyle Hertel picked up his second shutout in goal for the Bulldogs (3-1), who have now gone 3-1 opening the season against 5A IEL teams. Owen Stebbins, Mahonri Hunsaker, Tanner Kohal and Tyler Moore helped limit a dangerous Post Falls attack to just two shots on goal, containing the dangerous creativity of Post Falls sophomore Diego Esquivel.

After going scoreless for 60 minutes, Nick Rapoport launched a throw in that bounced around in the box before Allen blasted it into the back of the net for his first goal of the season.

“The ball ping ponged around, and Roan got a foot on it and drove it home,” described Bulldogs head coach Adam Tajan. “We’re starting to get some guys back, moving in the right direction.”

Sandpoint hosts Stillwater Christian from Kalispell in another night game on Thursday at 7 p.m.

First half — None. Second half — 1, Spt, Roan Allen (Nick Rapoport), 60:00.

Shots on goal — PF 2; Spt 5.

Saves — PF, John Noordman 4; Spt, Kyle Hertel 2.