Sandpoint rolls through Moscow for district title

SANDPOINT — A solid 4-0 performance by the Sandpoint boys soccer team against Moscow on Thursday night has propelled them to another District I-II championship.

Sandpoint head coach Tanner French said the team started slow in the first half but said he was pleased with their overall effort.

“Pretty dismal first half,” he said. “Wasn’t enjoyable from our point of view. The crowd was quiet, there wasn’t a lot of energy that our boys brought. It’s difficult to play a team three times when you know that your level is much beyond theirs.”

Despite the perceived first half issues, Sandpoint was able to go into the second half up on the Bears 3-0. What seemed to kick things off for the Bulldogs was Jett Longanecker’s goal at the 9 minute mark, assisted by Randy Lane.

“It took them a while to grow into the half, but obviously, Jett’s goal lifted them from the initial phobia of the district final, it was a great goal.”

Henry Barnes and Eoin Eddy would tally the other two first half goals at the 31 and 39 minute marks, respectively.

The second half was the same as the first, but with more energy and intensity from the Bulldogs.

“They had quite a few guys in the middle of the field,” French said. “I was trying to get us to spray the ball wide so that we were able to expand their defense before we place balls in.”

Eddy would cap off the Sandpoint win with his second goal of the night, assisted by freshman Logan McGrann.

After the game, French complimented the poise he saw from McGrann.

“He just creates a dynamic presence for us in the midfield. He’s sharp and he understands the game well beyond someone his age.”

Sandpoint ended the game with 10 shots on goal compared to Moscow’s two.

With the district championship secured, Sandpoint is now looking ahead to the state tournament.

“A 4-0 win, that's the best you can do,” French said. “But now we are onto bigger and better things.”