The North Branch boys soccer season ended abruptly with a 2-3 loss in the section 7A playoffs to the Grand Rapid Thunderhawks Oct. 11.

The No. 10 seed Vikings played a classy, well-fought soccer match in Grand Rapids, head coach Brad Gustafson said.

The Vikings led for much of the match, thanks to play by the Vikings defenders and two goals scored by the team.

The first goal came when Brian Grand dribbled through several players and found the net on a brilliant shot.

Assisting on the play was freshman Tony Ceroll. Later in the match, Tom Mork also scored by crashing the net on a loose ball. Grand assisted on the goal. The Vikings led much of the match by a score of 2-1.

The No. 7 seed Grand Rapids team eventually tied the game, and then was awarded the go-ahead goal late in the match on a shot that hit the crossbar. The side judge determined that the ball crossed the goal line which resulted in a final score of 2-3.

"Our team played very well. I could not be prouder. I share our team's disappointment that the season is over, but also recognize the great strides we made this season. I'm honored to be associated with our team and want North Branch to know what a classy group of soccer players they have representing them," Gustafson said.