Vikings, Eddies play to 2-2 draw Tuesday

Published 4:02 am Wednesday, September 26, 2007

By By SCOTT NOVAK / Niles Daily Star
NILES – A pair of second half goals allowed host Niles to tie Edwardsburg in a non-conference match Tuesday night.
Edwardsburg grabbed a 2-0 halftime lead, however, the Vikings rallied in the second half to tie the match on goals by Zak Herrmann and Alex Welch. Colin Freas assisted on both Niles goals.
The Eddies grabbed a 1-0 lead just 10 minutes into the match on a goal by T.J. Treat.
Edwardsburg increased its lead to 2-0 on a goal in the 11th minute by Mike Rangel.
"Whenever we play Edwardsburg, it is an evenly played contest," Niles coach Jerry Holtgren said. "They came out strong and we allowed two quick goals about a minute apart. Both goals came off a player leaving a mark on a 1-2 combination, which can't happen at this point in the season."
Niles cut the Eddies' lead to 2-1 in the 55th minute as Herrmann took a through ball from Freas on a direct kick.
The Vikings then tied the score in the 71st minute as Welch took a Freas flip throw-in and headed it past the goalkeeper.
"I was very pleased with how we responded in the second half," Holtgren said. "We made a couple of adjustments and the team began to really push the action and create some great scoring opportunities. Whenever your team is able to fight back from a two-goal deficit there are quite a few positives.
"Alex Welch and Adam Jenkins both attacked the goal aggressively for us and our midfield, specifically Colin Freas, Nate Allison, Jordan Parks and Kyle Looney helped keep the pressure off of our defense. Chase Krueger stepped into a new role as our stopper and played some big minutes as well."
Edwardsburg held an 18-17 advantage in shots on goal. Zach Bloss stopped 13 of those shots.
"As we head into our crossover games and conference tourney, I look forward to seeing how we match up against some strong competition," Holtgren said.
Niles (5-6-1) will play its first crossover match on Thursday when it travels to Marshall.
Edwardsburg…2
Niles…2
Halftime Score
Edwardsburg 2, Niles 2
First Half
E – T.J. Treat
E – Mike Rangel
Second Half
N – Zak Herrmann, Colin Freas (assist) 55th minute
N – Alex Welch, Freas (assist) 71st minute
Shots on Goal
Edwardsburg 18
Niles 17
Saves
Edwardsburg 10 (Brent Shuttleworth)
Niles 13 (Zach Bloss)