BOUNTIFUL — The 1-0 scoreline from Viewmont's nonregion win at cross-town rival Bountiful will hardly inspire the Vikings during the 2005 season. Neither will the conspicuous manner in which they scored their goal.
But the Vikings (2-0-0) still managed to take a step forward on Tuesday as they defeated a Region 5 side for the second time in as many days.
After scoring what amounted to a fluke goal late in the first half, Viewmont raised its tempo in the second half. In the process, they strung together several decent scoring chances and proved full value for their nonregion victory over the Braves (0-1-0).
"I thought we really controlled the ball (in the second half)," said Viewmont midfielder Jake Matern. "We should've finished, but those will come as the season progresses."
Matern scored the game's only goal in the 36th minute. After applying modest pressure throughout the first half, the Viewmont midfielder knocked a ball toward the goal from near the center circle.
Bountiful's goalkeeper raced off his line and could've easily cleared the ball. Also, a Braves' defender was in position to make the stop. Instead, neither player attacked the situation, and Bountiful watched in horror as Matern's tame shot rolled into the net.
Viewmont pressed forward in the second half and had several opportunities to double its tally, although they didn't take any of those chances.
"We haven't had a lot of time to get onto the pitch," said Viewmont coach Casey Layton.
Matern and Scott Richens were solid in midfield, and provided an attacking edge for the Vikings. Forward Mike Christensen also performed well during the final 40 minutes and nearly scored on several occasions.
Matern's first-half strike came five minutes after Bountiful's best chance of the match.
On 31 minutes, the Braves won a corner kick, which Sam Lake measured the ball into the 6-yard box. Lake's brilliantly measured ball fell to the feet of two Bountiful attackers and seemed destined to end up in the back of the net.
However, neither Bountiful player managed to cleanly strike the ball, and Viewmont 'keeper Alex Ipson alertly scooped up the ball on the line.
Even though the Braves were unable to create any significant chances in the final third, Lake combined well with forward Josh Siddoway on the left channel throughout the first half.
"I really think we played pretty well for the first game of the season," said Bountiful coach Mike Parker. "...We just didn't ever have any offensive control."
Bountiful played without goalkeeper Justin Clark, who has a sprained ankle, and the Braves struggled mightily to replace his goalkeeping. Parker said that Clark is questionable for Bountiful's Friday game against Davis.
Meanwhile, Viewmont's coach managed to escape a one-match suspension after receiving a red card in the Vikings' 2-1 win on Monday. Layton said the red card came after the Viewmont bench laughed at a referee's decision.
After consideration, however, the state determined that Layton didn't have to sit out Viewmont's match Tuesday against Bountiful.
In other games Tuesday:
REGION 14
JUAN DIEGO 10, SOUTH SUMMIT 0:Kevin Flynn scored a hat trick and Kyle Beck and Mike Breiling each scored two goals for the Soaring Eagle, who moved to 2-0 in Region 14.
NONREGION
CYPRUS 3, GRANGER 1: The Pirates beat the Lancers behind Isaac Saavedra's two goals.
HUNTER 3, COPPER HILLS 0: After taking a 1-0 lead into halftime, the Wolverines struck twice in the second half.
BINGHAM 3, AMERICAN FORK 0: The Miners picked up a win in their first preseason game in shutout fashion behind the play of goalie Branden Jorgensen. Three different players scored goals for Bingham.
MOUNTAIN VIEW 4, RIVERTON 2: The Bruins opened their nonregion schedule with a victory over the Class 5A team.
SPRINGVILLE 1, LEHI 0: The Red Devils blanked the Pioneers for the season-opening victory. Lance Stonehocker scored the game's only goal.
SPANISH FORK 2, PLEASANT GROVE 0:Nabtanu Cardon and David Garcia scored first-half goals and the Dons' defense shut down the Vikings to pick up a victory in their opening game. Tyrel Watters earned the shutout.
LONE PEAK 2, KEARNS 0:Nate Christensen and Phil Lamoreaux scored goals in the first half, and the Knights' defense shut down the Cougars to win their opening matchup. Cory Cosgrave picked up the shutout.
PAYSON 3, NORTH SANPETE 0:Jason Cook, Tyler Patterson and Telmo Torres all scored as the Lions blanked the Hawks behind a shutout from Spencer Nielson.
UNION 3, GRANTSVILLE 0:Kenny Hirschi had two goals and Owen Hullinger one as the Cougars blanked the Cowboys. Alan Embleton recorded the shutout for the Cougars.
LAYTON 3, OGDEN 0:Nyle Ortiz, C.J. Harris and Aaron McKinnley each scored for the Lancers, who opened their season with a victory.
TIMPVIEW 3, PINE VIEW 0: The Thunderbirds shut out the Panthers behind the goalkeeping of Chris Bright.
BEN LOMOND 2, LOGAN 1: The Scots remained undefeated in preseason play behind second-half goals from Jose Aldeno and Emmanuel Diaz.
HILLCREST 3, UINTAH 1: The Huskies picked up a win in their first game of the season.
ALTA 2, OREM 0: Forward Garrett Losee opened his 2005 tally with two goals in Alta's opening match. Aaron Weymann notched the shutout in goal.
E-mail: drasmussen@desnews.com