State runner-ups will count on seniors, juniors for BFHS girls soccer team

Coach John Lindberg expects great things from the Bonners Ferry High School girls soccer team this year.

“I think we are going to be a bit stronger than last year if the desire and dedication is within each one of those field players,” said Lindberg.

The Lady Badgers finished second in state last year after going into double overtime and a shoot-out with Orofino.

“My expectations are as positive as last year,” said Lindberg, who believes his team will make it to playoffs. “Wins and losses are going to happen regardless, but I want the players to bond and communicate when they are on the field.”

The team lost five seniors from last year’s squad. This year five freshmen and five sophomores joined the team to make a total of 21 players.

Lindberg expects the juniors and seniors to carry the team.

“You are on a learning curve for at least a year or two,” he said.

With a schedule filled with 18 games plus playoffs, Lindberg is expecting co-captains Kendra Johnson and Rachel Pruitt to be the leading players.

More experienced players Emily Pauls, Briana Watt, Allison Dudis and Jamie Greensky will be team leaders.

Lindberg has been coaching in Bonners Ferry since 1991.

“I think it is one of the world’s greatest sports,” he said. “You are not only challenged by your opponents, but by fields that are different every time and Mother Nature.”

Girl’s Soccer Schedule

Aug. 26 — Coeur d’ Alene, 4 p.m., home  

Aug. 30 — Orofino, 11 a.m., home

Sept. 4 — Coeur d’ Alene, 5 p.m., away

Sept. 6 — Newport, 11 a.m., home  

Sept. 8 — Lakeland, 4 p.m., away

Sept. 11 — Priest River, 5 p.m., home  

Sept. 12 — Kellogg, 4 p.m., home

Sept. 13 — St. Maries, 1 p.m., away  

Sept. 15 — Timberlake, 5 p.m., away

Sept. 16 — Libby, 4 p.m., away

Sept. 20 — St. Maries, 1 p.m., home

Sept. 23 — Priest River, 4:30 p.m., away

Sept. 27 — Orofino, 1 p.m., away

Sept. 29 — Lakeland, 4 p.m., home  

Sept. 30 — Timberlake, 5 p.m., home

Oct. 6 — Newport, 4 p.m., away

Oct. 9 — Kellogg, 4 p.m., away

Oct. 11 — Columbia Falls, 11 a.m., away