Boys soccer plays Aberdeen today in state tournament

Andre Zarate and Miguel Mendez scored goals in the first half to defeat St. Maries 2-0 during Friday’s 3A Region 1 boys soccer championship.

The Badgers, 12-4-3, qualified for the state tournament. They will play Aberdeen, the second seed from District 5, at 10 a.m. today, Oct. 23, at Vallivue High School in Caldwell.

The state tournament is a double elimination event.

Against St. Maries Zarate scored in the 14th minute with a Blake Skjeveland assist and Mendez followed up seven minutes later with an insurance goal for the victory.

“They are the defending state champions and will go far at state, but we had our chances,” said St. Maries Chris Renaldo, whose team is coming off one of its best seasons at 9-7-3. “Cody Dickman was inside the six three or four times, we just had that six or seven-minute lapse.

“For a team that had just two wins last seaon, it was a great year,” said Renaldo.

Lumberjack goalkeeper Keaton Buell made 14 saves against the Badgers, who outshot St. Maries 16-6.

First half — 1, BF, Andre Zarate (Blake Skjeveland), 14:00. 2, BF, Miguel Mendez (Andre Zarate), 21:00.

Shots on goal — Bonners Ferry 16, St. Maries 6

Saves — BF, Matt Evans, 4. SM, Keaton Buell, 14.