Badger boys show tenacity
September 18, 2012
By Coach Ed Moe

Last Thursday, September 13, the Badgers faced a talented, experienced Sandpoint squad at Centennial Field. Midway through the first half the Bulldogs scored their first goal, and at the half led only 1 – 0.

Bonners continued their spirited effort into the second half, frustrating their opponents time and again. Garrett Skeen turned away several excellent scoring chances, and the Badger defense held tight through extreme offensive pressure.

Finally, in the 70th and 75th minutes, Bulldog senior midfielder Jeremiah Gagnon found the back of the net to make the final 3 – 0.

Sandpoint outshot the Badgers 20 – 2 with Skeen making 11 saves. In defeat, the Badgers played exceptionally well, demonstrating a tenacity not yet seen from this year’s squad, led by senior co-captains Keaton Tremble and Evan Moe.

The following day the Badgers faced another experienced foe, St. George’s of Spokane.

After the exceptional effort the previous day, the boys came out flat and not ready to play.

The Dragons found the back of the net in the first thirty seconds, scored twice more in the first half, and coasted to a 5 – 0 shutout of Bonners.

Not many highlights in this one. While the effort was there, the boys were lacking the mental fortitude to compete against a quality opponent that they demonstrated the day before.

On Monday, freshman Jake Tremble scored the game-winning goal with just over a minute remaining as the Bonners Ferry Badger Boys’ soccer team defeated the Libby Loggers 2 – 1 at the Troy Soccer Complex.

Senior midfielder Keaton Tremble started the decisive play, crossing a well-placed ball into the penalty area where sophomore midfielder Steffen Robles headed it down to the feet of the younger Tremble, who converted a 18-yard shot that eluded the outstretched arms of the Logger goaltender.

The Loggers had tied the game just two minutes earlier on a penalty kick after one of their forwards was brought down in the box.

The Badgers dominated time of possession throughout the contest, creating numerous scoring chances, but were unlucky not to capitalize more often. Bonners Ferry had taken a 1 – 0 lead in the first half when Robles found the back of the net from the right side after receiving a pass from Jake Tremble.

Senior goalkeeper Garrett Skeen recorded six saves for the Badgers.

Defenders Collin Stone and Evan Moe, midfielder Jesus Mendez, and forward Victor Mendez also had outstanding games for Bonners Ferry, which faces St. George’s on the road at 4 p.m. Thursday and hosts Priest River Saturday at 1 p.m. as part of a doubleheader with the girls’ team, who play the Spartans at 11 a.m.