FERNDALE — Scott Browne has bad news for Northwest Conference rivals who figured they might be able to take advantage of his senior-laden soccer team’s lack of offensive prowess.

Browne has shifted fouryear standout Ben Sowers to striker.

The result was a dream fulfilled for Sowers and younger brother Caden during Ferndale’s 2-0 NWC victory over Mount Baker on Tuesday, along with a sudden injection of offensive energy.

It took Sowers, well known as an all-league midfielder, exactly 19 minutes to produce his first goal of the season. The score came on a hard 25- yard shot into the upper right corner of the goal.

What made the goal memorable was that sophomore midfielder Caden Sowers assisted on a goal by his big brother for the first time in their long soccer careers.

“It’s hard to describe, but it was just a great feeling,” said Ben Sowers, who scored his second goal in the 50th minute on a short kick following fancy footwork in front of the goal to retain possession. “I had dreamed of doing that.”

Ryan Carlson, one of four sophomores playing big roles for the Golden Eagles (3-3, 2-1 NWC), made the second goal possible with an assist after he won possession.

“I had been hoping for that,” Caden Sowers said of his opportunity to team up with Ben.

It might have happened last year, but the younger Sowers missed most of the season with an ankle stress fracture.

Browne had an easy explanation for the shift, considering the Eagles had only six goals in their first five games while allowing four.

“We needed some offense,” said Browne, whose Eagles

fell to Lynden 1-0 with Sowers newly up front but responded Tuesday by outshooting Mount Baker (3-2, 0-2) by 24-10. “Ben saw that. We both saw it.”

“I’ll be happy to go back to midfield or defense when I play at Whatcom Community College,” said Ben Sowers, who has played in the state tournament two of the last three years.

“I’ve always seen myself as more of an assist-maker. I had three goals last year, and none as a sophomore and freshman. But for now, I’m enjoying playing up front,” he said. “It’s a great chance to help the team.”

Ferndale, which started seven seniors, took charge right away on what Browne called a “mucky” field. Wind gusts of at least 25 miles per hour made every kick an adventure, and a wind-chill in the freezing range made it even worse.

Ferndale goalkeeper David Lervik wasn’t often challenged, though he made one outstanding save in the second half and finished with six. Mount Baker keeper Landan Campbell made seven saves.