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Robbinsdale Cooper 3, NB 2

Freshman TJ Leason scored two late goals for the Viking boys’ soccer team but a rally fell just short as NB lost to the Robbinsdale Cooper Hawks 3-2 Monday, September 11 at Cooper in New Hope.

Trailing 3-0 late in the game, Viking freshman Brian Grand penetrated deep into the Hawk zone. He put a perfect ball onto the foot of Leason, who scored to pull the Vikings within two goals. Leason scored an unassisted goal a few minutes later, but the Hawks held on late to keep the final score at Cooper 3, North Branch 2.

“TJ brings a new element to our team,” said Viking head coach Brad Gustafson. “He is fast and he fights hard.  We like his speed and the chemistry that is developing between him and his teammates.  He seems to be working especially well with Grand.  The two ran track together in middle school, and I see them doing some damage together in the playoffs as well.”

Zach Brandstrom also played well for the Vikings, almost scoring twice off volleys coming from corner kicks.  But, two nice saves by the Cooper goalie kept Brandstrom off the scoreboard.   

“This was a tough game because I thought we could’ve won,” said Gustafson. “The boys played well and had some excellent chances to tie or go ahead.  At one point, the ball was rolling along Cooper’s goal line, but we weren’t able to finish the deal.  It was pretty exciting.  You might be surprised to know that Cooper beat us 7-0 last year.  We are getting better, and not by a little.  I’m proud of our growth and look forward to seeing how far we can go.”

PACT Charter 2, NB 0

PACT Charter School scored two goals early in the second half, then held off a swarming Viking attack to hand the Vikings a 2-0 loss at PACT Charter in Ramsey Saturday, September 16.

Viking head coach Brad Gustafson talked about some of his players and his team’s overall performance. “Brandstrom had another outstanding game.  The intensity and leadership he brings to our defense is what every coach hopes for. He is quick to start the counter attack and makes his presence known on both sides of the ball.  He truly is like a run-away train...in a sense that he never stops moving and working hard.  He’ll be a big part of the play-off run we hope to make this year.

“Drew Lundquist also played well.  He led the attack for much of the game.  We’re used to him anchoring our defense, but wanted to see what he could bring to the attack.  I thought he played well, earning a few nice shots,” Gustafson continued. 

“Ryan Schwab filled in on defense and looked good too.  He controlled the ball nicely and made some clutch stops.” the coach said.

In this game the Vikings did everything but score. “We hit the cross bar on long shots, put many shots on goal, had a break-away or two, but just couldn't finish the deal.  There were times the PACT goalkeeper wasn’t able to handle our shots cleanly, but we couldn’t get to the rebounds in time.  It was frustrating, especially after watching how hard our team worked the second half. 

“The defense was making the runs that we want to see, and the midfielders were applying heavy pressure.  Part of me thinks that if the game was longer we would’ve put something in.  My hat goes off to the PACT Charter team. They made the plays and earned the win.”

The Vikings (2-6-0 overall, 0-5-0 conference) hit the road for two conference games this week. They were schedule to play at St. Francis on Tuesday, September 19 and they’ll face St. Louis Park today, Thursday, September 21, at 5 p.m. The Vikings return home to face section opponent St. Croix Lutheran next Monday, September 25 at 7 p.m. at the North Branch High School football field.

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