Badgers defeat St. Maries 4-0

The Bonners Ferry boys’ soccer squad defeated the St. Maries Lumberjacks 4–0 Thursday, Sept. 5 to improve their IML record to 2–0.

Junior forward Chase Dinning opened the scoring in the 32nd minute to give the Badgers a 1–0 half-time lead.

In the 55th minute senior midfielder Victor Mendez placed a perfect crossing pass to senior defender Cameron Woods who cranked in an 18-yard shot to double the Badger lead.

Sophomore midfielder Jake Tremble added an unassisted goal in the 64th minute, and junior midfielder Steffen Robles converted in the 69th to complete the scoring for Bonners Ferry (2-0-1).

Sophomore goaltender Caleb Blackmore recorded his second league shutout, while the back four defending crew of senior Oscar Lopez and juniors Matthew Gray, Trevor Pew, and Collin Stone repeatedly denied the Lumberjacks any good scoring opportunities.

The Badgers traveled to north Spokane on Monday, Sept. 9 to face Northwest Christian.

Bonners allowed two early goals, but answered just prior to half-time when senior defender Jesus Mendez volleyed a 25-yard shot off a nice pass from Lopez to make the score 2 – 1.

The Badgers played well most of the game, controlling possession and tempo throughout the contest, and continued to press for the equalizing goal.

The Crusaders countered the Badger pressure and scored two late goals before Robles tallied off an assist from Jesus Mendez, making the final 4 – 2 in favor of NWC.

Even in defeat, the boys played well and hopefully gained experience for later in the season.

The Badgers are on the road for the next three games, facing Sandpoint, St. George’s and Moscow before returning home to face Libby, Monday, Sept. 23 at 6 p.m.

—Ed Moe is they boys’ coach.