Boys on top of IML soccer standings
October 1, 2013
By Coach Ed Moe

The Bonners Ferry boys’ soccer team defeated the Libby Loggers 5 - 4 Monday night in an exciting non-league match at Lindberg Field. Senior midfielder Jesus Mendez put the Badgers up in the 11th minute with the assist going to sophomore striker Jake Tremble.

Libby scored the next three goals, two on penalty kicks, to take a 3 – 1 lead just before half. Junior midfielder Steffen Robles headed home the first of his three goals off a perfectly placed cross from Jesus Mendez to cut the halftime deficit to only one.

Robles scored the next two goals to give Bonners a 4 – 3 lead early in the second half, one coming on another header off a beautiful far-post cross from Tremble, but the lead was short-lived as the Loggers punched one home three minutes later to tie it up once again.

With both teams pushing to score the winning goal, with five minutes remaining Tremble scored from close range after receiving an amazing no-look, back-heel pass from Mendez, and the Badgers held on for the victory.

With the win the Badgers improved to 4-6-1 overall and stand at 3-0 in the IML.

Last Saturday the Badgers hosted Priest River, and a vocal, soggy Senior Day crowd watched the Badgers pound the Spartans 9 – 2.

All six Badger seniors, Griffin Doubrava, Oscar Lopez, Jesus Mendez, Victor Mendez, Caelan Rapp, and Cameron Woods scored goals to lead the way, with Jesus Mendez contributing three assists in the dominating performance which kept the Badgers atop the IML standings.

On Tuesday, September 26, the Badger boys hosted St. George’s, who one week earlier thumped Bonners 6 – 0 down in Spokane.

The Badgers’ effort on this day was exceptional, with improved ball movement and possession, and at halftime the home squad trailed only 1 – 0.

Senior midfielder Cameron Woods scored the equalizer from the 18-yard line in the 48th minute, and the Badgers continued creating chances in an attempt to grab the lead.

In the 75th minute however, after sophomore goalkeeper Caleb Blackmore made an outstanding diving save, the Dragons’ Nik Avakiyan slammed the rebounded shot into the net to give St. George’s the 2 – 1 victory.

The Badger soccer teams play their final home games of the season this Friday, October 4, when the Orofino Maniacs come to town. The girls kick off at noon with the boys following at 2 p.m.