Vikings Drop First Home Match in Over Two Years

By Matthew D. Stokes
BerryVikings.com Staff Writer

Tennessee Wesleyan defeated Berry 1-0 in the Vikings' 2011 home finale on a brisk Saturday afternoon at Ford Field, ending Berry's home unbeaten streak at 18 matches.

Luke Winter, the Bulldogs' leading scorer, kicked in the decisive goal in the 65th minute, beating Berry keeper Kevin Madigan.

"We did a good job of marking him all day- up until that point," said Berry head coach Richard Vardy. "He just needs a small amount of space. It was a nice finish."

Berry's best chance to score came in the 53rd minute, when Reid Popple's shot clanked off the top crossbar.

"We're still a young team that has to turn chances into goals, turn possessions into chances," Vardy said of the team's offensive effort.

Saturday's match represented the last home match for Berry seniors Michael Gringalunas, Popple, Justin Smith, Daniel Wartner, and Steven Weeks.

"I'm glad we did Senior Day last week when we got the win," chuckled Vardy, referring to the Vikings' Oct. 22 victory over Bryan College.

The loss was the first at Ford Field for Berry since it dropped a 1-0 decision to Southern Poly on Oct. 2, 2009.  Since that match, the Vikings put together a 15-0-3 mark until Saturday's loss to Tennessee Wesleyan.

Both teams fired off nine shots during Saturday's match. Zak Wallingford led Berry with five shots, three of which were on goal. Winter had four for the Bulldogs. Tennessee Wesleyan held the advantage in terms of shots on goal, 4-2.

Madigan finished the day with four saves. Tennessee Weslean goalkeeper Miguel Valadez picked up two.

Berry concludes its 2011 season when it travels to Covenant College Saturday at 7 p.m.

- BerryVikings.com -