ST. JOSEPH – Four second half goals turned a close Big 16 Conference soccer match into a bit of a rout Monday night.

The host St. Joseph Bears blanked Niles 6-0 in a West Division match-up.
St. Joseph scored a pair of goals in the opening 40 minutes to take a 2-0 halftime advantage.

Four more goals in the second half ended any chance of a Niles comeback.

“We faced a good opponent tonight and weren’t up to the challenge,” Niles coach Jerry Holtgren said. “St. Joe did a great job of winning the ball, transitioning quickly, and playing the ball over the top. We had a difficult time matching their speed and pace of play.

“We were able to generate some shots, but couldn’t finish. At the beginning of each half, we let them strike early and that is something we are going to have to correct. We played hard, but as I told the team after the game, that will only take us so far. We have to play smart, take what they offer us, and make those adjustments as the game progresses,” he added.

Niles…0
St. Joseph…6
Halftime score
St. Joseph 2, Niles 0

First half
SJ – 9th minute
SJ – 11th minute

Second half
SJ – 41st minute
SJ – 52nd minute
SJ – 64th minute
SJ – 69th minute

Shots on goal
Niles 7, St. Joseph 20

Saves
Niles 12 (Ryan Casey)
St. Joseph 6