By By DAN WEISS / Niles Daily Star
NILES -- The Phil Vandenberg Memorial Soccer Tournament, originally meant to be a four-team event made up of local teams which include players who participated in the Niles Optimist Soccer League, was won Saturday by a team from outside southwest Michigan.
The Temperance Bedford Kicking Mules beat Buchanan and Brandywine Saturday at Brandywine High School to win the second annual Phil Vandenberg Memorial Tournament.
The day opened with a shocker as Brandywine upset Niles 1-0 to advance to the championship game.
Matt Wieger scored the game's only goal when he picked up a loose ball following a Brandywine corner kick and scored with 3:50 left in the game.
Niles was unable to get any good looks at the Brandywine goal in the remaining time.
Niles actually outshot the Bobcats 17-9. Brandywine goalkeeper Garrett Semrinec came up with seven saves while Viking goalkeeper Cory Coquillard had two saves.
Niles played most of the game without starting forward Kyle Kidwell, who was ejected early in the contest for unsportsmanlike conduct. The Vikings were also assessed a yellow card earlier in the game.
Niles went on to suffer a 4-0 shutout against Buchanan in the consolation game.
Bedford beat Brandywine 4-0 in the title match. The Kicking Mules outshot the Bobcats 27-1 and Semrinec had 14 saves in goal for Brandywine.
The Bobcats return to action Wednesday at River Valley at 5 p.m. Niles travels to Berrien Springs today at 5 p.m. and Buchanan hosts Bridgman Wednesday night at 7 p.m.