Vikings overpower Cougars

Friday, September 18, 2009

By DAN SHELTON

Sports Writer

ROACHDALE -- When Andrew Nunez' header in the cross from Kyler Badten for goal within the first nine minutes of the Cougars soccer match with West Vigo, it looked like the North Putnam was going to handle the Vikings with ease -- but nothing is ever as it seems.

Within the next 20 minutes, the Vikings put up three unanswered goals, eventually winning 5-2.

"That was a nice goal by Nunez in the first half," NPHS Coach Dave Moller said. "We started strong there and played better the first 25 minutes of the first half, before they go those quick three goals on us."

Going into the second half, North Putnam trailed the Vikings 3-1 and at the 24:59 mark Cody Summerlot headed another cross in from Badten, cutting the Vikings lead to one. But the Cougars' momentum was soon cut off when West Vigo's Anthony Cotton lobbed one in over Cougar goalie B.J. Moore with 20:36 to go in the match.

"We were playing with them until that fluky goal there in the second half," Moller said. "That killed any Momentum we had and I don't think that kid meant to hit that in either."

The Vikings put the finishing touches on the Cougars when Nathan Gregg dribbled into the goalie box, putting one past Moore for the final.

North Putnam got a chance for another goal with 1:45 left in the game when Summerlot was awarded a penalty kick, but the kick was a straight shot into the Vikings goalkeeper's hands.

Even though the Cougars lost the match, Moller did see something positive happen.

"One of the things that we struggled with this year is winning balls in the air, so that was a positive when we got those two goals off of headers tonight," Moller said.

North Putnam is now 0-9-1 on the season and is back in action on Saturday when they host Crawfordsville at 12 p.m.

At North Putnam

First Half

NP -- Nunez 31:37 Badten assist

WV -- A. Kump 18:33

WV -- A. Kump 13:26

WV -- N. Kump 10:18

Second Half

NP -- Summerlot 24:39, Badten assist

WV -- Cotton 20:36

WV -- Gregg 4:44

Next Match -- North Putnam is now 0-9-1 on the season and are back in action on Saturday when they host Crawfordsville at 12 p.m.