Despite cold, wet and windy conditions Tuesday night, the Niles varsity soccer team picked up a 2-0 win in the Big 16 Conference Tournament over the Kalamazoo Cougars.
Neither team was able to dent the back of the net during the opening 40 minutes of action.

However, the Vikings got a pair of second half goals to earn the victory.

Jonathon Eddy opened the scoring in the 61st minute as he took a pass from Cicone Palmore and scored from 30-yards out.

Ten minutes later, Niles added an insurance goal as Kevin Nyers took a pas from Derrick Nzabakira from the wing and dribbled past defenders to score from 10-yards away with a shot into the corner.

“We made a goal prior to the game to win our last three contests and we are one step closer to meeting that goal,” Niles coach Jerry Holtgren said. “We generated opportunities tonight, and while I would have liked to score more, we did what we needed to do. We were able to contain Kalamazoo’s scorers and our defense kept them away from the goal most of the game.

“Jonathon Eddy had a great shot that gave us the momentum and Devin Nyers put the game away on an aggressive move to the goal.  Both of them played well in the middle, along with Christian Rackley, and we are going to need that to continue if we are to win our next couple games.

“Chris Schuck, our lone senior, has really picked up his intensity the last couple of weeks, and is leading the younger players by his example on the field. He played a large role in our success tonight.  All in all, it was a good win and the kids can be proud of it,” Holtgren added.

Niles will now host Battle Creek Central on Thursday at 5:45 p.m.

Kalamazoo…0
Niles…2
Halftime score
Kalamazoo 0, Niles 0
Second half
N – Jonathon Eddy 61st minute (Cicone Palmore assist)
N – Devin Nyers 71st minute (Derrick Nzabakia assist)

Shots on goal
Kalamazoo 3

Niles 14
Saves
Kalamazoo 9
Niles 3 (Ryan Casey)