The Niles varsity soccer team dropped a 2-1 non-conference decision to visiting Marcellus on Monday evening.

After a scoreless first half, Marcellus scored goals in the 45th and 59th minutes to take a 2-0 lead on the Vikings.

Niles scored its lone goal in the 79th minute as Cole Krassow chipped a shot from 30-yards out over the Wildcats’ keeper. Chris Schuck assisted on the goal.

“Tonight seemed like a reoccurring theme for us,” Niles coach Jerry Holtgren said. “We were tied at halftime and then couldn’t put a goal in to seal the game.  We had four players either sitting out or getting limited time due to injury and illness and that really showed in our chemistry. Marcellus is 10-1 and a quality opponent, but still, we didn’t play real well. We need to position better, possess more, and stay on our defensive marks. One bright spot was Cicone Palmore. He has become a shut down defender for us and it is encouraging to see a sophomore step up in this way.”

Marcellus…2
Niles…1
Halftime score
Marcellus 0, Marcellus 0

Second half
M – 45th minute
M – 59th minute
N – Cole Krassow (Chris Schuck assist)

Shots on goal
Marcellus 16
Niles 12

Saves
Marcellus 7
Niles 11 (Derek Arguello)