Viking kickers refuse to lose
Published 5:44 pm Thursday, September 1, 2005
By By ERIKA PICKLES / Niles Daily Star
NILES - If there is one thing the Niles soccer team has this season that should help them continue to be successful, it's the drive to win soccer games.
That was proven Wednesday evening when the Vikings took a 3-2 win over host Berrien Springs in what head coach Jerry Holtgren said was an interesting game.
Niles received its first and only goal of the first half 23:22 into the contest, when Julian Freas added the first point to the scoreboard on an assist from C.J. Rumpf.
The Shamrocks answered back after halftime and tied the game at one on a goal from a penalty kick.
At the 33:28 mark, Berrien Springs took control of the game by scoring another goal to put the Shamrocks up 2-1, but the Vikings weren't ready to give up.
A goal by Michael Tanke on an assist by Colin Smith tied the game at two with under three minutes to play.
Neither team could pull off the winning goal, which sent the game into overtime.
But the Vikings decided enough was enough and 2:44 into overtime, Tanke scored Niles' winning goal on an assist from Rumpf.
The Vikings had a total of 14 shots on goal and four saves.
The Shamrocks had five shots on goal, with seven saves.
Niles will host Sturgis on Tuesday, Sept. 6 at 5:45 p.m.