By Staff
BERRIEN SPRINGS – The Niles varsity soccer team was defeated by host Berrien Springs on Wednesday afternoon, 3-1.
Niles (2-1) scored first as Colin Freas found the back of the net in the 15th minute.
Berrien Springs (3-0) tied the score at 1-1 in the 26th minute on a shot from the top of the box by Chabu Chapi.
In the second half, Michael Achianor scored in the 69th minute before Davis Gumbo scored, also in the 69th minute on a penalty kick.
"Berrien Springs did a nice job of packing in the box and minimizing our scoring opportunities," Niles coach Jerry Holtgren. "It was a strange contest in that we had 14 corner kicks to their two, yet we were not able to capitalize. It was disappointing that we were able to control the tempo for much of the contest, but unable to score."
Niles out shot the Shamrocks 11-8. Kasey Zandarski had nine saves for Berrrien Springs, while Billy Siderits had five stops for the Vikings.
Holtgren was also disappointed that his team gave up two "unnecessary" goals late in the match.
He did praise one of his defenders.
"Ty Purvis played another good game for us in the defensive end shutting down their scorers and has really become one of our main defensive stoppsers," he said. "We now know that we have some things to work on and I know the players will respond."
Niles…1
Berrien Springs…3
Halfime
Niles 1, Berrien Springs 1
First Half
N – Colin Freas 15th minute
B – Chabu Chapi 26th minute
Second Half
B – Michael Achianor 69th minute, Christopher Martinez (assist).
B – Davis Gumbo 69th minute (penalty kick)
Shots on Goal
Niles 11, Berrien Springs 8
Saves
Niles 5 (Billy Siderits)
Berrien Springs 9 (Kasey Zandarski)
Records
Berrien Springs 3-0; Niles 2-1