By By ADAM FISHER / Niles Daily Star
The Niles varsity boys' soccer team was shut out 5-0 at home Monday by defending Division III state champions South Haven.
Though the Vikings' offense never got started, head coach Jerry Holtgren said his team tried hard. In the end, South Haven was just too strong.
South Haven was more aggressive offensively, out-shooting Niles 16-7. That aggression led to an early goal off a free kick at the 6:10 mark of the first half.
South Haven also scored on a shot from the top of the penalty box and a breakaway before the half ended.
In the second half, the defending champions added two more goals and kept Niles off the board to complete the shutout.
Despite giving up five goals, Vikings' goal keeper Cory Coquillard had 15 saves. Holtgren said the goalie played well.
Niles has lost two of its last three games. The Vikings now regroup and head to Bridgman for a match today at 5 p.m.
South Haven….5
Niles……………0
First half
SH — goal off free kick, 6:10 (1-0)
SH — goal, 19:52 (2-0)
SH — breakaway goal, 27:52 (3-0)
Second Half
SH — rebound goal, 40:25 (4-0)
SH — breakaway goal, 56:55 (5-0)
Shots on goal
SH — 16
N — 7
Saves
SH — 4
N — 15