Posted: 9/14/04
The North Branch boys soccer team dropped three games last week, losing 1-9 to Andover on Sept. 7, 2-4 to Columbia Heights on Sept. 9 and 1-3 to Rogers on Sept. 13.
Senior forward Travis Olson scored his third goal of the season for the Vikingsí lone goal against Andover.
The Vikings took a 1-0 lead into halftime against Columbia Heights. One minute into the second half, Columbia Heights scored on a penalty kick and went on to the win.
Scoring for the Vikings were Andy Kittelson and Jake ìLightningî Lane.
ìI like what I saw out of the guys in the first half,î Coach Brad Gustafson said. ìI am excited to see what will happen when we put together a solid 80 minute game. We have been shooting the ball well and had many opportunities throughout the game. From what the guys are showing me at practice and in the games, things are starting to fall into place.î
The Rogers loss affirmed Gustafsonís feeling that the team is beginning to gel.
ìThis was one of our better games as a team. It was encouraging to see the focus, talk and hustle in warmups and throughout the game. Our team is definitely improving. With several of the players stepping up and shooting more, including seniors Steven Grand and Andy Kittelson, the floodgates are bound to open.î
The Vikings played most of the first half down one goal until the Royals netted a second goal with less than two minutes left in the half.
The Vikings continued to battle in the second half and 7th grader Brian ìThe Rockî Grand ended up netting a goal on a close range.
On Sept. 17 the Vikings play at Chisago Lakes at 7 p.m.
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