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Things looked bleak early in the season opener for the Viking boys' soccer team. Cambridge-Isanti scored two minutes into the game, and the Vikings were missing top scorer Brian Grand. Grand was serving a one-game suspension for a red card received at the end of last season.

The Vikings controlled play most of the first half. The Bluejacket keeper made several nice saves to keep his team in the lead. But midway through the half, the Vikings were awarded a penalty kick. Backup goalkeeper Jakob Borash, playing forward in place of Grand, converted the penalty kick to tie the game at 1-1.

Anthony Ceroll scored the game winner for the Vikings with 23 minutes remaining in the second half. He took the ball down the right hand side of the field and ripped a shot from just outside the 18 yard box. The ball slipped inside the far post to give the Vikings a 2-1 win.

"We totally dominated play in the second half," said Viking head coach Graeme Jury. "They had a couple of breakaways, but nothing really threatening. We've been working hard n conditioning this fall. I think this is the best shape our players have been in for soccer in a long time, and it was pretty evident in the second half as the Cambridge team ran out of gas. Jake Borash played well, hustling after the ball. And Austin Holmes had a very nice game in goal for us."

The Vikings were scheduled to play at Forest Lake Tuesday, September 1. They open conference play today by traveling to Chisago Lakes at 7 p.m. to take on the Wildcats. Viking star forward Brian Grand will be back, leading the Vikings against the Wildcats and their sensational new midfielder David Rau. The Vikings host Hibbing tomorrow at noon at North Branch. They'll be at home again next Tuesday, September 8 to take on conference foe Fridley at 7 p.m.

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