NILES — Cristian Wilson scored a pair of goals as visiting Dowagiac edged Niles 3-2 in the non-conference soccer opener for both schools Monday.

Niles led 1-0 on a goal by Kyle Bruckner in the sixth minute, but Wilson tied the match just before halftime with a left-footed shot that beat Vikings’ keeper Drew Gourlay in the upper-left-hand corner of the net to make it 1-1.

The Chieftains’ Ethan Hannapel gave Dowagiac a 2-1 advantage in the 48th minute before Wilson scored what turned out to be the game-winner in the 51st minute off an assist from Cole Weller.

Bruckner picked up his second goal of the match in the 55th minute, but the Vikings were unable to get the equalizer.

Dowagiac (1-0) outshot Niles (0-1) 18-4 in the match.

Gourlay had nine saves for the Vikings, who return to action Thursday when they travel to Sturgis for another non-conference match.

Dowagiac returns to the pitch Wednesday when it travels to Buchanan for a non-conference match.

Niles won the JV match 4-2.

 

DOWAGIAC 3, NILES 2

At Niles

Halftime score

Dowagiac 1, Niles 1

 

First half

N – Kyle Bruckner sixth minute

D – Cristian Wilson 36th minute

 

Second half

D – Ethan Hannapel 48th minute

D – Wilson 51st minute (Cole Weller assist)

N – Bruckner 55th minute

 

Shots on goal

Dowagiac 18

Niles 4

 

Saves

Dowagiac 0 (Kelvyn Bravo)

Niles 9 (Drew Gourlay)

 

Corner kickers

Dowagiac 16

Niles 11

Varsity records: Dowagiac 1-0, Niles 0-1