Facing its toughest test of the season, the Niles soccer team passed with flying colors as it edged Edwardsburg 2-0 at the Edwardsburg Sports Complex Wednesday.

The Vikings (4-0) scored both goals in the first half and then made them stand up.

Ben Florkowski scored what turned out to be the winning goal in the fifth minute on a penalty kick.

Conner Amberg capped the scoring in the 35th minute off an assist from Alex Jasper.

“We continue our excellent start to the season,” Niles coach Ryan Haines said. “This was our best win of the year so far. The leadership within the group is starting to form and everyone is starting to understand the culture that the new coaching staff is trying to instill.

“We will use this win, along with the win at South Haven on Monday as a springboard for our weekend match with Sturgis.”

Niles’ Trey Scott finished the match with 11 saves, while Edwardsburg’s Dylan Guernsey finished with seven saves.

The Eddies are now 3-1 on the year.

Edwardsburg did win the JV match 3-2. The Vikings are now 1-1 on the season.

Niles hosts Sturgis at 11:45 a.m. Saturday. Edwardsburg is back on the pitch Monday as it travels to St. Joseph for a 6:45 p.m. match.

 
NILES 2, EDWARDSBURG 0

Halftime score

Niles 2, Edwardsburg 0

 

First half

N – Ben Florkowski 5th minute (penalty kick).

N – Conner Amberg 35th minute (Alex Jasper assist).

 

Saves

Niles 11 (Trey Scott).

Edwardsburg 7 (Dylan Guernsey).

Varsity records: Niles 4-0, Edwardsburg 3-1.