WILLMAR -- Brainerd bolted to a 2-0 lead in the match's first 26 minutes and held on to nip the Willmar Cardinals 2-1 on Thursday in Central Lakes Conference boys soccer.
James Neis, aided by Rene Rodriquez, scored for Willmar just inside 40 minutes, but the second half would pass without either team scoring.
It was Willmar's first loss in league play. Both teams are now 3-1 in the CLC.
"We played a better second half," said coach Richard Courtney. "Their midfielders were better in the first half. Brainerd is a very good team, a fast team, but we have to play well both halves."
Shots were about even with Willmar's Steve Kluver making nine saves and Warriors' goalkeep Brian Sexton 11.
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A red card made Willmar play the last game's final 15 minutes shorthanded.
Willmar plays St. Cloud Tech, who defeated Brainerd 2-1, at Husky Stadium in St. Cloud on Monday evening.
Willmar expects to have Trent Fader back from injury while Badal Ali will become eligible after sitting out the first six games.
Brainerd 2, Willmar 1
Brainerd (3-1, 3-1) 2 0 -- 2
Willmar (3-1, 4-2) 1 0 -- 1
FIRST HALF - Brd: Joe Nelson (Gil Millette) 10:09 ... Brd: Chris Nathan (unassisted) 25:30 ... Wil: James Neis (Rene Rodriquez) 39:15
SECOND HALF - no scoring
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Shots on goal - Brainerd: 11 (19)... Willmar: 12 (20)
Goalie saves - Brainerd: Brian Sexton 11 ... Willmar: Steve Kluver 9
