By By ADAM FISHER / Niles Daily Star
Niles played its first game of the Southwest Michigan Athletic Conference Black Division soccer tournament Thursday, but it was never much of a contest.
The No. 1 seed Vikings used speed and defense to blow by No. 8 seed Benton Harbor 10-0.
Niles completely dominated the Tigers, limiting them to one shot on goal, while getting 35 of its own.
Cody Riggenbach started the scoring onslaught for Niles, getting a goal seven minutes into the game off an assist from Joe Dunnett.
Less than three minutes later, Danny Rodts scored on a kick from just outside the top of the penalty box, assisted by Riggenbach. Rodts goal came from almost the exact spot as the first one.
The Vikings slowed down the tempo after the second goal, concentrating more on limiting Benton Harbor's opportunities that scoring themselves.
A goal by Michael Tanke and a pair of scores by Brian Coulston, however, gave Niles a 5-0 lead at halftime. Bret Borzei, Julian Freas and Nick Sharkey assisted on the final three goals of the half.
Niles matched its first half effort by getting five more goals in the second half. Mauricio Terram, Tanke, Freas, Dunnett and Colin Smith all scored goals in the half.
Tanke, Riggenbach, Travis Wirick assisted on the goals.
The Vikings' goalkeeper Cory Coquillard didn't see much work Thursday, registering no saves in the contest. The Tigers had 10 saves.
The victory moves Niles to 8-4-2 on the season. The Vikings will play their second round game of the SMAC Black Division tournament Tuesday at home.