It took 10 minutes, four goals and a responsible stretch of defensive play for the Niles to do something it hasn’t done in a great deal of time.
Defeat the Lakeshore Lancers.
The Vikings (6-4-1) rolled off four straight goals to open the second half to power themselves to a huge 5-3 victory over their long-time archrivals.
Freshman Jose Magana scored two goals, and Dylan Fillwock and Caden Hullinger each found the net in the blistering opening to the second half for the Vikings that served as the knockout blow to the visiting Lancers.
First-year Niles Coach Danny Rodts said that his team’s win was largely a byproduct of the maturing and cohesiveness they have gained as a unit over the course of the still relatively young season.
“The guys are starting to understand what it takes to be successful out on the field and what we the coaches are looking for them to do in the important moments of a match,” Rodts said. “I think the opening of the second half there was the culmination of their mental capabilities coming in line with their physical attributes. It was fun to watch.”
Senior captain Sammy Rodts also added a goal to Niles’ winning cause in the first half when he struck an impressive ball past Lakeshore’s Cole Sing to get Niles on the board.
Lakeshore got goals from Matt Beilman, Andrew Choe and Paul Lehmann.
Niles will return to action today when it plays host to its other lakeside rival, the St. Joe Bears, at 5:45pm at the high school.

Lakeshore… 3
Niles… 5
Halftime score
Lakeshore 2, Niles 1

First half
L – Matt Beilman 18th minute
N – Samuel Rodts 23rd minute
L – Andrew Choe 37th minute

Second half
N – Dylan Fillwock 49th minute
N – Jose Magana 53rd minute
N – Caden Hullinger 55th minute
N – Jose Magana 56th minute
L – Paul Lehmann 72nd minute

Shot on goal
Lakeshore 3
Niles 9