Hawks Soccer State Bound

Wes Vork-NSO

For Additional Photos Click Here To View Our Photo Gallery

Oct 22

Kerry Rodd-NSO

A late goal by Charlie Comnick was just enough offense for the Hermantown Hawks on Thursday night. Playing in the Section 7A boys soccer final against North Branch, Comnick took a crossing pass and booted it past Vikings goalie Austin Holmes in the 69th minute giving the Hawks the title and a state tournament berth.

The Vikings had a number of good scoring opportunities throughout the game, but Hawks goalie Andrew Samberg was magnificent in picking up the shutout. In all, Samberg made 9 saves, but many were of the spectacular variety in a stellar effort. The shutout was the 16th of the season for Samberg and the Hawks who improved to 20-1 on the season.

Hermantown’s lone loss was 2-1 affair to Duluth Marshall, but since then the Hawks have been impressive. On Thursday night they needed some breaks on the defensive side in an effort to shut down a strong North Branch offense and they got those breaks. Offensively it was the talented Comnick who saved the day on a pass from Isak Abukhodair. Abukhodair’s pass appeared as if it were intended for another Hawk, but the ball found its way to Comnick who crushed it past Holmes for the game winner in the 69th minute.

Kerry Rodd can be reached at kerry@northlandsportsonline.com