Niles finally scored a goal, but the Vikings could not pull out a win against host Battle Creek Central Tuesday.
Niles, which was shut out in its last two SMAC matches, scored a pair of goals, but gave up three in the second half as the Bearcats pulled out a 3-2 victory.
“We did not execute our game plan throughout the entire game like we should have,” Niles coach Ryan Haines said. “We had the best first half we have played since Gull Lake. We backed off of the Bearcats in the second half once they increased the pressure. We also need to keep our composure in games like this. Simple mental mistakes is why we are riding a five-game losing streak and are 2-6-1 since Gull Lake.”
Conor McKieran gave the Vikings a 1-0 lead in the 28th minute of the first half with an assist from Bryant Echeverria.
Battle Creek Central scored three consecutive goals to open the second half.
Ben Florkowski scored in the 79th minute to cut the Bearcats’ lead to 3-2, but Niles could not come up with the equalizer.
Niles was once again without goalkeeper Trey Scott, who is undergoing concussion protocol. He is expected to return against Mattawan Tuesday.
The Vikings will be without Keegan Neumann tonight against Battle Creek Lakeview after receiving a red card against the Bearcats.
The Niles JV soccer team blanked Battle Creek Central 3-0.
Josiah Rohl scored all three goals for the Vikings. Adam Shepherd and Nolan Miller had the assists.
Drew Gourlay recorded the shutout.

BATTLE CREEK CENTRAL 3, NILES 2
At Battle Creek
Halftime score
Niles 1, Battle Creek Central 0.

First half
N – Conor McKiernan 28th minute (Bryant Echeverria assist).

Second half
BCC – Cesar Duran 46th minute.
BCC – Duran 71st minute (penalty kick).
BCC – Kevin Jackson 76th minute.
N – Ben Florkowski 79th minute.

Saves
Niles 6 (Dalex Nzabakira)
Central 5 (Isaac Engelhardt)