POULSBO — The North Kitsap Vikings soccer squad put another notch in its axe as it took a swing at the Gig Harbor Tides Thursday and walked off the pitch with a 3-0 shutout.

But the victory was more important than it might have appeared, pointed out Vikings coach Chris May.

“It was a very big win for us. Especially in our last (Narrows) league game of the regular season. The whole team stepped up,” May said. “We played solid defense the whole game. It was amazing.”

North’s defense turned in one of its most impressive performances of the year against Gig Harbor (6-3-2). Goalie Nate May posted a shutout, compiling a total of 11 saves when it was all said and done.

On the offensive end of the field, Jon Luc Klinker struck first for North scoring on an unassisted goal in the 15th minute. J.J. Gilson gave North a 2-0 lead at halftime scoring on a perfect pass from Kevin Joines in the 25th minute.

While North (7-5-2) held a 2-0 lead for much of the second half, few expected North’s third goal of the evening to be something so spectacular.

Gilson scored in perhaps the most unique way a soccer player can. Klinker sent a perfect ball into the middle of the field, Gilson showed his athletic talent, uncorking a bicycle kick hitting nothing but net for the Vikings’ third and final goal of the evening.

“The whole team just stopped,” May said. “Everyone was totally amazed by that shot.”

As postseason play rapidly approaches the Vikings are firing on all cylinders. The Narrows League playoffs begin May 2.

“It’s a total team effort. Everybody is doing their part,” May said. “We’re peaking at the right time and it’s a good time to do it since we’re so close to the playoffs.”

May said he thinks his team can make some noise in the postseason.

“Everybody on our team feels really good about our chances,” May said. “We were pretty pumped up tonight. It’s a real momentum builder for us. We’re ready for it.”