Cougars stay unbeaten in shortened match over Vikings

BAINBRIDGE — The North Putnam Cougar boys’ soccer team was able to get two goals in each half, in a game delayed for a lengthy time by lightning, to remain undefeated and atop of the WIC standings with a 4-1 victory over the West Vigo Vikings Tuesday evening.

North was on the attack early when a shot went off the post and fell to the feet of Kaden Helderman only to miss wide.

The game remained scoreless, as lightning caused a delay at the 25:05 mark of the half.

Shortly after the break, Nolan Hackleman went past two defenders and made a beautiful cross to Brayden Chew, who put it in the open net for the first score of the game.

West Vigo threatened with a corner a few minutes later but was turned away by the defense.

The Cougars were able to get their second tally with just over three minutes left in the half. This time Hackleman finished himself after a mishandle by the Viking defense and North led 2-0.

“Nolan has been here three years with us and he is making plays like a senior should do,” Cougar coach Kyle Morgan said.

The game got a little emotional in the second half as several yellow cards were issued but as West Vigo got more aggressive, North was able to counter.

Brayden Neureiter put one on the frame from distance and found the upper right corner of the goal with 31 minutes remaining to put the hosts up 3-0.

With the delay, darkness settled in and no one knew how long the officials would let play go on.

The Vikings were able to get on the board with a goal by Jaxson Kyrouac with 15 minutes left. The Cougars would put the game out of reach a minute later as Neureiter scored his second of the evening to make 4-1.

The referee made the game official three minutes later and the Cougars remained atop the WIC at 6-0. Saturday the Cougars travel to Brazil to face the Northview Knights.