Niles soccer team blanked by Bridgman Saturday

Published 11:36 pm Monday, October 10, 2011

BRIDGMAN – The Niles soccer team was blanked by host Bridgman Saturday afternoon in a non-conference affair, 2-0.

Both Bridgman goals were scored in the opening 40 minutes of play in a match that was dominated by defense. The two teams combined for only seven shots on goal.

The Bees scored with 7:54 remaining in the first half and again with only four seconds showing on the clock.

“There are a lot of positives of how we are playing, but putting the ball in the net is not one of them,” Niles coach Jerry Holtgren said. “Today, we felt like we were the better team in every aspect but finishing the ball. We controlled possession and pace, had pressure in the attacking third for most of the contest, but couldn’t score. We are too content with keeping the ball in the middle. We need to turn out of pressure, play to the corners, and carry to goal. The players know what they need to do, but old habits die hard.

“If we can add scoring to the equation, we will be hard to beat. Nick knoll and Cody Ortiz played solid games for us defensively. Nick played stopper in the second half and had a strong presence on the field.
There two goals were on needless fouls which we need to eliminate as well.”

Niles…0

Bridgman…2

Halftime score

Bridgman 2, Niles 0

First half

B – 7:54

B – :04

Shots on goal

Niles 4, Bridgman 3