---

St. Bernard's 5,

North Branch 1

Viking freshman midfielder Nic Miller scored his first high school varsity goal to put the Vikings up 1-0. Miller, assisted by junior midfielder Tom Mork, scored early in the game on a long shot he sneaked in over the goalkeeper and just under the crossbar. However, St. Bernard's poured it on as senior Keidoe Pour scored four of the Bulldogs' five goals to lead St. Bernard's to a 5-1 win over the Vikings Monday, August 27 at North Branch.

"Our team played pretty well," said Viking head coach Brad Gustafson, "but had difficulty matching up against Bernard's two talented strikers. We double-covered them most of the night, but they are extremely strong and play with their hands well. It's a style of play that you do not see much at the high school level. I can confidently say that Pour could make any D-1 college team in the country today. It was quite an opportunity for our team to see how our defense stacked up."

Duluth Denfeld 5,

North Branch 2

North Branch came back from its Monday match with a tough section draw against Duluth Denfeld Tuesday, August 28 at home. In an offensive showdown, the Vikings launched an impressive 17 shots. But the Hunters fired 23 shots and won the battle on the scoreboard, as well, beating the Vikings 5-2.

Junior tri-captain Drew Lundquist and freshman Tony Ceroll scored for the Vikings. Ceroll assisted on Lundquist's goal, and Tom Mork assisted on Ceroll's goal. Mork has asserted himself as a playmaker, notching an assist in all three games so far this season.

"We played much better the second half of the game," said Viking head coach Brad Gustafson, "and tightened up our defense in the process. I think that if we see this team again in the playoffs they'll be surprised by the result. I'm confident that we can put together 80 solid minutes and earn a win. After executing well the second half, I'm sure the guys would agree."

Totino Grace 5, North Branch 0

Totino Grace scored four goals in the first half on their way to a 5-0 win over the Vikings Thursday, August 30 at Totino Grace.

Viking goalkeeper Austin Holmes made several diving saves throughout the game. Holmes' efforts in the second half helped tighten up the Viking defense as they allowed just one goal in the period.

"The second half was a win for us," said Viking head coach Brad Gustafson. "The team came out strong, resolved to put forth more effort while fighting for 50-50 balls in the middle third of the field. I'm proud of the way we finished. Only allowing one goal in the second half to a Totino team that continued to go hard is a win for us. Last season the Eagles routed us 10-0, so this year's team was pleased when given praise for holding Totino to five goals. The drastic improvement is even more impressive considering we played Thursday night without last year's top scorer, Brian Grand."

Grand, a sophomore, was injured the first game of the season, but is expected to return soon.

Conference play gets into full swings as the Vikings (0-4 overall, 0-1 conference) were scheduled to play at Fridley Tuesday, September 4. They'll return home tonight, Thursday, September 6, to face the Spring Lake Park Panthers at 5 p.m., and then host the Robbinsdale Cooper Hawks Monday, September 11 at 7 p.m.

---