By By DAN WEISS / Niles Daily Star
The Niles varsity soccer team earned its first victory since September 11 Thursday night with a 3-1 decision over Battle Creek Central in the loser's bracket quarterfinals of the Big-16 Conference Tournament.
The Vikings, now 4-11-1 on the year, will host Harper Creek Tuesday night in the semifinals at 4:30 p.m.
Niles fell behind early as the Bearcats scored in the third minute of the game.
It didn't take long, however, for the Vikings to tie the game at one goal apiece. Blaise Nsengiyumva scored when he rebounded a missed shot by Kidwell in the eighth minute.
Kidwell then gave Niles a lead it never lost with a goal in the first half.
Kidwell added another goal 15 minutes into the second half.
Niles outshot the Bearcats 20-7. Cory Coquillard had five saves in goal for the Vikings.
Niles was whistled for 16 offsides penalties, a statistic coach Jerry Holtgren was not pleased with.
The Vikings will host Sturgis in the first round of the Division 2 District Tournament on Tuesday, Oct. 21. The semifinals are scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 23, at Upton Middle School with the championship match set for Saturday, Oct. 25 at Upton.
The Niles junior varsity soccer team beat Battle Creek Central 4-1.
Julian Freas scored the first goal for the Vikings 21 minutes into the first half. Danny Rodts then scored off a corner kick from Schyler Binkley in the 33rd minute. Niles' third goal came two minutes later when Freas crossed the ball to Scott Bailey who scored.
The Bearcats' only goal of the game came with just 45 seconds left in the first half.
Three minutes into the second half Cody Riggenbach scored on a pass from Bailey to end the game's scoring.
Niles outshot Battle Creek Central 18-3 and Dan Ott had two saves for the Vikings.
The Niles junior varsity is now 4-4-3 on the season.