Soccer

 Badgers Fall Short At State Tourney 

The Bonners Ferry Badger Boy’s Soccer Team came up short at the 3A State Tournament in Caldwell last week, falling in the first round to Teton 1 – 0, then dropping a 2 – 1 decision to Bliss in the loser-out bracket on Friday.  Teton went on to claim second, and Bliss fourth in the ensuing medal round.  On Thursday, District 6 champion Teton scored in the 72nd minute after an initial shot hit the crossbar, then rebounded out to Oscar Meija, who kicked it back in off the far post to give the Redskins the lead.  Bonners had a great chance with four minutes left when junior Alex Mendez broke free past the Teton defense, only to have his 12-yard shot glance off the far post.

The game was even throughout, with both teams generating 12 shots apiece.

Against the District 4 champion Bliss Bears, who were defeated by Weiser in the first round 3 – 0, the Badgers fell behind in the 18th minute on Luis Cortez’ header off a free kick.  Ten minutes later, the Badgers were denied when senior David Morton’s 18-yard shot hit the crossbar squarely, then sophomore Daniel Palacios’ header on the ensuing bounce also hit the crossbar.  Bonners Ferry finally tied it in the 37th minute, when senior Blake Skjeveland headed in a corner kick from junior Aaron Moe to make it 1 – 1 at the half.  The Bears scored the eventual game-winning goal in the 65th minute when Cortez converted a long through pass on a breakaway.  The Badgers didn’t go quietly, and ramped up the pressure in an attempt to tie the game.  With five minutes remaining, sophomore forward Andre Zarate’s shot from close range hit the near post and caromed off, and with it the last chance for Bonners to stay alive in the tournament.

The Badgers played well at the tournament and look forward to returning a strong nucleus of players next year..  Junior goalkeeper Mat Evans had a sensational tournament, making many difficult saves to keep the opponents from scoring.  Seniors Blake Skjeveland, Carey Reynolds and David Morton ended their high school careers playing their best soccer of the season.