Williams' penalty kick sparks Warriors

BAXTER - Jake Williams capitalized on a penalty kick early in the first half to jump start the Brainerd offense as the Warriors took down Central Lakes Conference opponent St. Cloud Apollo 2-1 Thursday.

Nick Oldham scored for the Warriors off a pinpoint pass by Adam Tagtmeier in the 55th minute in what served to be the game-winning goal as the Eagles scored in the 75th minute to make the game 2-1.

"We started off a little slow as far as aggressiveness goes," Brainerd coach Cahil Collins said. "We weren't making good runs and seemed to be just half a step off in the opening minutes.

"When Jake (Williams) was taken down and finished his penalty kick it seemed to revitalize the team and we played some real good soccer the rest of the game."

Collins called Thursday's game an intense conference match.

"On the game winner Adam (Tagtmeier) gave Nick (Oldham) a great pass right were it needed to be and he finished nicely," said Collins. "The boys played really, really well and we will build on this and get ready for Elk River this weekend."

Warrior goalie Matt Sather made seven saves, including a penalty kick save in the second half to preserve the lead.

Apollo 0 1 - 1

Brainerd 1 1 - 2

First half: Brd-Jake Williams PK 7:00

Second half: Brd-Nick Oldham (Adam Tagtmeier) 55:00, SCA-75:00

Shots on goal: Brd 2 4 - 6, SCA 4 4 - 8

Goalkeepers: Brd-Matt Sather (7 saves); SCA-Kenny Tran (4 saves)

Conf: Brd 2-1. Overall: Brd 2-1. Next game: Brainerd at Elk River 4 p.m. Saturday.