Boys soccer team blanks St. Maries 2-0

The Bonners Ferry Boys Soccer defeated St. Maries 2-0 on Saturday improving their Intermountain League record to 2–0.

Forward Miguel Mendez scored off midfielder John Wakkinen’s assist in the 20th minute to give the Badgers a 1–0 lead at the half.

Bonners dominated possession throughout the game, and in the 75th minute, Mendez struck again to provide an insurance goal.

Midfielders Jody Wilkerson and Alex Mendez controlled the tempo for the Badgers, while defenders Wakkinen, Blake Skjeveland and Carey Reynolds denied the Lumberjacks from mounting many threats on goal.

Bonners outshot St. Maries 15–2, and would have won by a wider margin if not for some fine Lumberjack goalkeeping. The Badgers host St. Maries at 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20.

Earlier in the week, Bonners faced St. George’s in north Spokane, Wash., and fell short against a talented team, 4–2.

The Dragons scored twice in the first half, then padded their lead to 4–0 with goals in the 60th and 70th minutes, respectively.

The Badgers kept playing hard, and were rewarded with two late goals — one from sophomore Alex Mendez, and the other a 12-yard header from Wakkinen off Wilkerson’s corner kick with a few minutes left.

Bonners made it even more interesting by nearly scoring another goal with a minute left, but were denied. Badger goalkeeper Mike Strappelli made several nice stops among his seven saves.

St. George’s pays a return visit to Bonners Ferry at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 23.