A late goal from Jonathan Fall gave North Bend a 1-0 win over visiting Sutherlin and secured second place in the Far West League for the Bulldogs.

As the game became increasingly physical, Sam Lynass went head-to-head with Sutherlin’s keeper Kyle Knox as they went after a shot by a NorthBend teammate. The ball squirted away from the two and Fall kicked the rebound into the net in the 78th minute for the winning goal.

The goal was nearly called off, as referees discussed a foul on Fall in the goal box. Had he not scored, the foul would have resulted in a penalty kick. After deliberation, the goal was allowed, and the penalty kick was bypassed.

Fall only had one thought after the victory.

“We’re second place, and we’re going to the playoffs,” he said, still out of breath from the intensity of the game. “I’m just really pumped.”

The win and Coquille’s forfeit of an earlier win over Brookings-Harbor allowed the Bulldogs to slip past the Red Devils in the standings. North Bend finished 8-2-2, while Coquille, which tied Brookings-Harbor on Thursday, was 7-2-3. Sutherlin finished 7-3-2 and meets Coquille on Monday for a spot in the Class 4A playoffs.

North Bend will have a first-round bye in the playoffs and then travel to either Seaside or Astoria on Nov. 10.

The first half of Thursday’s game was evenly played, with a few shots from each team. The second half began with much more physical play on both sides of the ball, with Sutherlin picking up two yellow cards late in the game.

North Bend accumulated good looks at the goal, but couldn’t break free. North Bend coach Todd Ransom said his team probably had a few more chances than Sutherlin, but that Sutherlin’s defense is quite disciplined.

“We controlled the tempo of the game,” Ransom said. “Then we finally put one in the net.”

Senior defender Jeramy Dubisar, who had three shots on goal, said he was happy with how North Bend played in comparison to previous games.

“We passed extremely well, and really kept our composure and didn’t fall apart like we did against (Brookings-Harbor) when we gave up the late goal,” Dubisar said.

Sutherlin coach Rick Murphy said this loss was difficult, but gave credit to North Bend’s ability.

“It hurts to lose in the 78th minute,” Murphy said. “But they came out and they beat us.

“We still have a chance. We can’t let one goal ruin our season.”

Sutherlin had seven shots on goal, to North Bend’s nine. North Bend keeper Conner Keith held the shut out, with seven saves.

North Bend plans to enjoy the postseason, no matter which team the Bulldogs face.

“Just don’t think about it too much,” Dubisar said.

Ransom thinks his team can hold its own with the likely talented, second-round opponent.

“We think we’re as good as any team,” Ransom said. “Whomever we play, we’ll give them a game.”