Bruins knock out Bulldogs
—Photo by JASON DUCHOW PHOTOGRAPHY Senior defender Ben Schwartz and the Bulldogs lost 2-1 in overtime to end their state tournament Friday. in Idaho Falls.
IDAHO FALLS — The Bulldogs rallied late to tie the game, but could not finish things off in overtime, falling 2-1 to Twin Falls in the consolation game of the 4A state boys soccer tournament on Friday at the Idaho Falls Soccer Complex.
Sandpoint (11-5-4) started fast in loser-out game, attacking and creating early, but would fall behind the Bruins 1-0 in the 34th minute, as they struggled to find a rhythm offensively for the rest of the first half.
“We started off strong and generated several good chances in the first 10 minutes but we were unable to finish. Initially, I thought we were going to run away with it,” said Bulldogs head coach Adam Tajan. “We let them hang around and Twin Falls was able to convert. The second half was very even.”
Sandpoint had a chance to equalize in the 60th minute, but Dawson Mulder ripped a penalty kick over the crossbar. The Bulldogs hung tough and kept attacking, and it paid off in the 79th minute, when Ben Schwartz found Dawson Mulder in front of the net, and Mulder did the rest with his 24th goal of the season.
“Dawson was able to turn and bulldoze through two defenders and the keeper,” described Tajan of the goal. “Awesome individual effort and a brilliant equalizer.”
Tajan lamented the loss of senior midfielder Jack Rinck, a glue-type of player who was unable to play with a knee injury and was sorely missed.
“I think this definitely affected our overall strength in the midfield,” admitted Tajan. “Amos (Crossingham) was also a bit injured with a knee issue.”
Twin Falls scored a golden goal in the first overtime, ending the Bulldogs’ season. Tajan called it a very composed goal, with a quality shot beating goalie Mitch Rust on the far post, and was impressed with the overall quality of play in the tournament.
“The 4A competition has really improved since we were last here in 2012,” he said. “I’ve been very impressed with the quality of soccer that I’ve seen down here.”
The Bulldogs were very much in both games, and not that far from advancing to the title game. Despite the disappointing end of the season, Tajan was proud of his team.
“A tough end for a talented group of seniors,” he said. “It’s been a fun season and our guys should be proud of the progress they’ve made and the season they’ve had.”
First half — 1, TF, 34:00. Second half — 2, Spt, Dawson Mulder (Ben Schwartz), 79:00. Overtime — 3, TF, 87:00.
Shots on goal — Spt 6, TF 6.
Saves — Spt, Mitch Rust, 5; TF, 5.