Koch blast powers Bulldogs in shutout of Vikings
(Photo by ERIC PLUMMER/Bee) Sandpoint defender Tanner Kohal volleys a ball out of the air, as the Vikings’ Greg Prohaska looks on. The Bulldogs posted their fifth shutout of the season.
(Photo by ERIC PLUMMER/Bee) Coeur d’Alene goalie Shawn McKeeken skies high to punch a would be goal over the cross bar in a 2-0 loss on Saturday.
SANDPOINT — Sandpoint senior midfielder Luke Koch blasted in a first half goal that drew high praise from both coaches, leading the Bulldogs to a solid 2-0 win over the Vikings on Saturday in a nonleague friendly at Pine St. Field.
In the 22nd minute of a scoreless game, Koch took a pass from Noah Hastings and unloaded from 25 yards out in one of the better goals you’re going to see in the high school game, giving the Bulldogs (7-0-1) a 1-0 lead.
“Their first goal was a wonder goal, the kid (Koch) had a heck of a strike,” said Vikings head coach Jeff Lake, showing classy respect in defeat. “I’ll give it up to Sandpoint, they showed a lot of grit and a lot of fire.”
Sandpoint head coach Evan McNeley, who will return to his other job as a starting defender for the Tacoma Stars of the Major Indoor Soccer League once the high school season ends, admitted Koch’s goal was a thing of beauty.
“Brilliantly-timed laser into the top corner,” described McNeley. “I don’t think Luke’s hit a better ball. Just a world-class finish.”
Thanks in part to the work of the three Bulldog defenders, Tanner Kohal, Max Edmundson and Taran Tvrdy, the Vikings (4-2) had trouble generating any quality looks out of their quick strike attack.
The match was still 1-0 in the 65th minute when Taran Tvrdy was on the receiving end of a nice cross from Hastings, heeding his coaches’ advice to head the ball down, striking a clean header with pace past Vikings’ keeper Shawn McKeeken, who had a few top notch saves to keep the game close.
The Bulldogs open league play on Monday at Lakeland after an undefeated stretch against six 5A opponents.
First half — 1, Spt, Luke Koch (Noah Hastings), 22:00. Second half — 2, Spt, Taran Tvrdy (Hastings), 65:00.
Shots on goal — Spt 11, Cd’A 5.
Saves — Spt, Julian Reichold, 2, and Hyrum Hunsaker, 2; Cd’A, Shawn McKeeken, 7.