Douglas soccer boys win opener

Cody Kruger and Josh Pratt scored goals and the Douglas High School boys soccer team went on to pick up a 2-1 season-opening win at home against Elko on Friday afternoon.

Durability was a plus for the Tigers, who only had 14 players suited up and sustained two injuries during the game, according to coach Phil Sheridan.

"I thought it was a real good game," Sheridan said. "We did some good things, especially when you consider we were down to 12 players at the end of the game.

Kruger converted a penalty kick with two minutes left before halftime to give Douglas the lead. Pratt put a header into the upper right corner of the net off a corner kick from Henry Leon 15 minutes into the second half as the Tigers extended their lead to 2-0.

Elko scored its goal with less than six minutes left, according to Sheridan.

Goalkeeper Chase Zumpft was credited with four saves. The defense was aided by a strong performance by sweeper Brian Demarta.

"He saved our tails," Sheridan said of Demarta. "Defensively, he won so many balls, and there were many times when he would stop their attack and then turn the ball around and countered."

The Douglas boys play host to North Valleys today at 1 p.m. in Minden. The North Valleys and Douglas varsity girls also play at 11 a.m.