Esko-Carlton Back In Championship Game

Wes Vork-NSO

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Oct 19

Wes Vork-NSO

ESKO – With a hard fought 1-0 win over Hermantown the Esko-Carlton girls soccer team is heading back to the Section 7a championship game for the second consecutive year.

Caitlin Lilly scored her team leading 21st goal of the season on a beautiful header with just 3:06 remaining in the first half. Kelsey Mudek picked up the assist on the play.

Despite substantial pressure by the Hawks towards the end of the game the 1-0 score held up giving the Eskomos their 11th victory on the season.

The Eskomos will face #1 seed Chisago Lakes at Public Schools Stadium at 7:00pm on Thursday. The Wildcats advanced with a 2-0 win over Cloquet Tuesday evening. Esko-Carlton lost to Chisago Lakes 3-1 in double overtime earlier in the season. Chisago Lakes broke a 1-1 tie with goals in the 88th and 89th minute of overtime.

Esko-Carlton Head Coach Nicole Peterson is happy to have her squad back in the championship game. As far as facing Chisago Lakes instead of a re-match of last year’s finals with Cloquet, Peterson didn’t offer a preference. “They are both quality teams that present substantial challenges. What is important is we play hard and play our game.” Peterson stated.

Esko-Carlton goalie Rachel Ofstie made five save in recording the shutout while her counterpart Courtney Simmons notched three saves while giving up the lone goal.

Wes Vork can be reached at wes@northlandsportsonline.com