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Just when it was beginning to look like Wednesday’s girls soccer match between visiting Edwardsburg and Niles was headed for a scoreless tie, the Vikings struck.

Niles’ Kamber Hadley launched a shot from about 20-feet out at the top of the goal box. The ball eluded Eddies’s keeper Sophie Devenney for the only score of the non-conference match.

The match was hardly a defensive effort despite what the score might lead one to believe.

Both teams had quality scoring chances, but could not get the ball in the back of the net.

“It’s still early and we are still young, Edwardsburg coach Brett Harring said. “We still have a lot of things to clean up. Possession in the back was great. They handled the ball on the back line extremely well and gave us chances on offense to connect together with our forwards.

Edwardsburg’s Ally McInte (1) battles with Niles’ Anne Tyler for a ball Wednesday afternoon. (Daily Star Photo/SCOTT NOVAK)

“Our midfield was a little lost today, but that’s on me. We have lots of girls playing in new positions. Things will sharpen up. Especially since the back line played so clean.”

Niles held an 11-7 advantage in shots on goal. Both keeper finished with five saves.

Like the Eddies, Niles is still searching for its identity. With a lot of players in new positions, Vikings’ coach Jo Schau knows there is still work to be done.

“We improved on some things, but we are definitely still learning,” she said. “We still have people who are adjusting and trying to figure out where they fit in our line-up. Like I said before, we have experience, but we are just so kind of mixed up and scrambled that we are trying to get a feel for the game still.

“The ones with the most experience haven’t been my goal scorers. So I am relying on some younger ones to find the back of the net. I think they are a little frustrated right now, but it’s early and it will come. They just need to relax and follow through with their shots and it will come.”

Edwardsburg…0

Niles…1

Halftime score

Edwardsburg 0, Niles 0

Second half

N – Kamber Hadley 67th minute

Shots on goal

Edwardsburg 7

Niles 11

Saves

Edwardsburg 5 (Sophie Devenney)

Niles 5 (Sarah Smith)

Varsity records

Edwardsburg 0-2, Niles 2-0