The North Branch boys soccer team beat the Academy for Sciences and Agriculture by a score of 9-0 on Oct. 1. It was the team's last home game of the season.

The first goal of the game came as Christian Tempel notched his first score of the season off a crossing pass from sophomore Justin Murray.

"Despite the lone goal posted on the scoreboard at halftime the boys were intent on playing well and came out very strong in the second half. Once their offense gained speed and rhythm they were nearly unstoppable," head coach Brad Gustafson said.

When all was said and done, the Vikings saw six different players score goals, and Brian Grand buried his 14th goal of the season.

A stingy Vikings defense fought hard and earned the team's first shutout of the year.

While the team played well, there were a few notable performances turned in by the Viking defenders, Gustafson said.

Fullback and senior captain Matt Kleven helped engineer the shutout by supporting the attack and keeping the other Viking defenders on track.

Freshman Tyler Ertl made a strong showing at the defensive stopper position.

Ertl's strong play on defense allowed some of the other players on the team to attack from the back and keep the pressure on the Eagles.

"Ryan "Superman" Schwab was close to invincible as he dominated the middle at the "sweeper" position as well as outside fullback. These defenders played a key roll in allowing the team's attack to build up steam," Gustafson said.

"Winning is fun, especially when everyone contributes to make it happen. However, I'm most impressed with the improvement our team has shown from last year," Gustafson said.

Columbia Heights

On parents night, the team lost 2-1 to the Columbia Heights Hylanders on Sept. 27.

The visiting team managed to score once on a partial break-away and again on a mishap by the Vikings. The goal was a result of North Branch's concerted effort to better utilize its defenders by swinging the ball back to build up the attack, Gustafson said.

After the game, Gustafson commented on the goal.

"As much as it hurts to see a goal like that go in, I know that we learned from it. Our defenders are working hard to communicate more effectively and to play balls back to the keeper that are safer and smarter. I can tell that everybody on this team genuinely cares for each other. That to me, is a success."