GRAND FORKS - Tony Potts orders are to provide a spark every time he hits the field for the Fargo North boys soccer team.
The directive apparently still applies in the postseason.
Potts delivered a goal in the 36th minute to propel the Spartans to a 1-0 victory against Minot in the first round of the North Dakota state tournament Thursday at the South Middle School Soccer Bowl.
"That's why we bring him in," North coach Jon Melendez said. "Tony did a nice job."
The game was a struggle throughout as both teams battled a stiff wind and solid defensive play.
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The Spartans (11-4-4) attempted to put pressure on the Magicians in the opening 10 minutes.
However, things quickly settled down.
Minot (7-10-2) never found a rhythm with possession of the ball, which allowed North to take its time and size up the perfect opportunity.
The chance came on a cross in front of the net by Nathan Ross.
Potts drilled the ball past Minot keeper Ben Love to give the Spartans a 1-0 lead.
"We were close three or four times, but we really didn't take our advantages," Minot coach Cody Saunders said. "It was there. We just didn't put it into the back of the net."
North forward Sunnyboy Nyanfor drilled the crossbar late in the second half.
Minot put constant pressure on Spartans keeper Josh Nistler for the final 10 minutes. However, The Magicians were unable to breakthrough despite a few solid scoring chances.
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"Minot - wow," North coach Jon Melendez said. "You never know what you are going to get in the state tournament. ... I was nervous, I was nervous. They pressed and they pressed. We won a lot of balls in the second half, so I was pretty happy with that."
FIRST HALF: 1, FN, Potts (Ross) 35th minute.
SECOND HALF: No scoring.
SAVES: FN, Nistler 8. B, Love 12.
Readers can reach Forum reporter Heath Hotzler at (701) 241-5562. Hotzler's blogs can be found at www.areavoices.com
