Bulldogs can't put Vikings away in home opener

SANDPOINT — The Bulldogs controlled much of the game and created plenty of chances, but it was the Vikings’ quick striking attack that swung things in the second half, as Coeur d’Alene earned a 2-1 win over Sandpoint in nonleague boys soccer on Wednesday at Pine St. Field.

Gabe Nazemi and Cameron Dance scored second half goals for the Vikings (1-0), who earned a solid win despite playing a team full of underclassmen.

“I’ve got an inexperienced team, but they played experienced,” said Vikings head coach Jeff Lake. “To be down 1-0 and fight back against a team like that . . . that game could have gone either way. That team (Sandpoint) will contend for state.”

Jack Rinck got the Bulldogs (1-2) on the board first at the end of the first half, slotting a low ball just inside the post to gain momentum going into half.

The Bulldogs dominated the possession, and created several corner kicks and chances, but couldn’t find the back of the net. Dawson Mulder hit the post on a shot that would have tied the game, and prior to that, the Vikings nearly had an own goal when a stray kick drilled the crossbar.

The Vikings, on the other hand, finished two of the few chances they created to pull out the win.

“We were the better team in ever statistic except goals,” claimed Bulldogs head coach Adam Tajan. “We need to finish our chances. You don’t get points for hitting the post or crossbar. Defensively, we have some things to sort out.”

The Bulldogs are at Lewiston on Saturday.

First half — 1, Spt, Jack Rinck (Mac Stultz), 39:00. Second half — 2, Cd’A, Gabe Nazemi (Austin Geritone), 46:00. 3, Cd’A, Cameron Dance (Nazemi), 76:00.

Shot on goal — Spt 10, Cd’A 5.

Saves — Spt, Mitch Rust, 3; Cd’A, Shawn McKeeken, 8.