Warriors edge Flyers in opener 3-2

BELLE PRAIRIE - Jake Williams' second goal of the game, in the 71st minute, snapped a 2-2 tie and helped the Brainerd Warriors to a 3-2 victory over the Little Falls Flyers in a Central Lakes Conference boys' soccer opener Tuesday.

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After a scoreless first half in which Brainerd controlled the tempo, Little Falls came out of halftime flying, scoring six minutes into the second half on a Mitch LeBlanc goal.

The Flyers scored again 13 minutes later off of a Grant Bell boot to take a 2-0 lead. Both Flyer goals were assisted by Josiah Tonder.

Brainerd persevered through its early adversity and found its offensive firepower. The Warriors reeled off three straight goals, including Smith's gamewinner.

Smith also scored in the 61st minute, assisted by Joe Nelson, who scored in the 67th minute, on an assist from Williams.

Jake Williams scored two goals

Brainerd outshot Little Falls 16-4 with 13 saves by goalie Zach Rekstad, keeping the Flyers in the game until the end.

Brainerd 0 3 - 3

Little Falls 0 2 - 2

First half: No scoring

Second half: LF-Mitch LeBlanc (Josiah Tonder) 46:00; LF-Grant Bell (Josiah Tonder) 59:00; Brd-Jake Williams 61:30; Brd-Joe Nelson (Jake Williams) 67:20; Brd-Jake Williams (Joe Nelson) 71:20

Shots on goal: LF-4 B-16

Goalkeepers: LF-Zach Rekstad 13 saves; Brd-Brian Sexton 2 saves

Conference: LF 0-1, Brd 1-0. Overall: LF 1-1, Brd 1-0. Next: Little Falls vs. Willmar Thursday at Little Falls; Sartell vs. Brainerd at Baxter 5 p.m. Thursday.