In its final home game of the season, the Niles soccer team honored its seniors and two of them accounted for all of its goals in a 3-0 Big 16 Tournament win over Marshall Tuesday.

Graham Hoppstock opened and closed the scoring for the Vikings, who will begin Division 2 District play Tuesday in Stevensville against the Lancers.

Hoppstock scored on a penalty kick in the ninth minute to give Niles an early 1-0 advantage.

Over the next 17 minutes, the Vikings had a few scoring chances that they could not convert, but Niles was able to control the tempo of the match.

Finally, in the 26th minute, Chase Hullinger scored off an assist by Hoppstock to extend the Vikings’ advantage to 2-0.

Another lengthy scoreless streak allowed the first half to expire without any more scoring.

The Redhawks came out and were the aggressor to open the second half, but they just couldn’t get the ball past senior keeper Ryan Casey, who finished with saves on all seven shot attempts by Marshall.

Hoppstock capped the scoring in the 52nd minute with an assist from Hullinger.

Niles, winners in two of its final three matches of the regular season, seems to be clicking according to first-year coach Dave Jacobs.

“We needed a win,” Jacobs said. “We got on them early. We played another full game today. I think the past three games we have played the full game.

“The seniors have been solid. Our defense with Alex Wright and Stuart Coulston. Graham had two goals today and Casey. I’m going to miss these guys.”

 

Big 16 Tournament

Marshall…0

Niles…3

Halftime score

Niles 2, Marshall 0

 

First half

N – Graham Hoppstock (penalty kick) ninth minute

N – Chase Hullinger 26th minute (Hoppstock assist)

 

Second half

N – Hoppstock 52nd minute (Hullinger assist)

 

Shots on goal

Marshall 7

Niles 16

 

Saves

Marshall 8

Niles 7 (Ryan Casey)