A strong first half lifted the Niles boys soccer team past Sturgis, 3-1, in non-conference action on Saturday.

In the first half, the Vikings outshot the Trojans, 11-4, with a goal from Dylan Fillwock and Caden Hullinger.

Nicholas Suckle’s free kick set up Fillwock’s goal from five yards with 29:43 left in the first half.

About a minute later, Caden Hullinger scored for the Vikings just outside the goal box.

“I liked the first 10 to 15 minutes the best because of the energy we had off the two goals,” said Niles coach Danny Rodts.

Sturgis made the match much more interesting with 29:10 left in the match after getting a goal from five yards from Gustavo Santana.

“We played a little bit more laid back (in the second half), Rodts said. “We didn’t play with the intensity level that I would expect. I have high expectations for our guys.”

Niles could relax a little bit after taking a 3-1 lead with 23:54 left in the match. Sam Rodts scored on a header from five yards off a Fillwock throw-in.

“We needed that third goal,” Danny Rodts said. “We can’t let happen what took place on Sturgis’ goal. We need to keep the throttle down. The passion and energy need to stay consistent.”

Niles owned a 7-5 edge on shots in the second half. Vikings goalie Mika Farinella finished with six saves.

 

Sturgis…1

Niles…3

Halftime score

Niles 2, Sturgis 0

 

First half

N – Dylan Fillwock (Nicholas Suckle) 29:43

N – Caden Hullinger 28:37

 

Second half

S – Gustavo Santana 29:10

N – Sam Rodts (Fillwock) 23:54

 

Shots on goal

Sturgis 9

Niles 18

 

Saves

Sturgis 8 (Isaac Montoya)

Niles 6 (Mika Farinella)

 

Corner kicks

Sturgis 2

Niles 4

 

Varsity records

Niles 7-4-2, Sturgis 7-8