For the sixth consecutive year, Niles soccer has opened its season with two wins, claiming the VanDenBerg tournament championship.

The tournament is an annual tournament between Buchanan, Brandywine, Cassopolis and Niles high schools.

While Niles scored 17 goals and only conceded one en route to two mercy-rule victories, the other three competitors still had their eyes on goal. Brandywine put four balls in the back of the net, Cassopolis scored three goals and Buchanan had two goals.

Coach Brent Wright filled in as varsity head coach for Niles while coach Daniel Rodts was away on business. Wright was impressed with the organization of the team.

“Coach Rodts has developed a program and the kids are committed,” Wright said. “They are playing as a team. Even when the bench went in, you couldn’t tell because they are on the same page.”

Cassopolis fell to Niles in the championship, but second year coach Austin Francis thought there were some good points to take away from the day.

“I think the Brandywine game was awesome. We didn’t come out as strong as we probably should have,” Francis said. “For the second game, obviously Niles has an historic program. We were outnumbered, but I think we hung with them the best we possibly could.”

Francis had kind words for one of his captains, senior keeper Collin Kelley,” Francis said. “He just stepped in that position (last year) and has worked really hard at it. I have high hopes for him this season.”

Kelley was busy between the posts as Niles had 18 shots on the day.

Brandywine and Buchanan lost to Cassopolis and Niles respectively in first round games. Buchanan went on to beat Brandywine in a penalty shootout.

After a historically successful season last year, Brandywine was bound to be disappointed with the two losses. Brandywine coach Evan Winkler looked at it as a learning experience.

“I know we can be competitive with the teams in our area,” Winkler said. “If we fix a few things we will be fine. We learned a lot about ourselves today.”

Three of the teams will have a chance to see each other later this season in conference games.

 

VanDenBerg Invitational

At Niles

CASSOPOLIS 2, BRANDYWINE 2

(Cassopolis wins shootout)

Halftime score

Brandywine 2, Cassopolis 0

 

First Half

BW — Cassopolis own goal 11th minute

BW —Brady Duval 20th minute

 

Second Half

C —  Dylan Armstrong 37th minute

C —Kiambu Gary 53 minute

 

Penalty Kicks

Brandywine 0-for-4

Cassopolis 2-for-3

 

Championship Match

NILES 9, CASSOPOLIS 1

Halftime score

Niles 4, Cassopolis 1

 

First Half

N —Dylan Fillwock 3rd minute

N — Ben Florkowski 8th minute

N — Bryant Echeverria 24th minute

C — Dylan Armstrong 27th minute

N — Jose Magana 30th minute

 

Second Half

N — Sheldon Mudd 34th minute

N — Florkowski 41st minute

N — Magana 46th minute

N — Florkowski 49th minute

N — Caden Hullinger 54th minute

 

Varsity records: Niles 2-0, Cassopolis 1-1