Postgame on the Pitch

Esko-Carlton has busy week, notices some struggles

Having played four games in less than a week, things have been busy lately for the Esko-Carlton girls soccer team. And, frankly, a little rough, too.

The high-octane Eskomos (7-6-1) went through their toughest stretch of the season, winning just one of their last four contests on the pitch.

Things started last Thursday when Esko-Carlton was knocked off by visiting Chisago Lakes 3-1 in overtime after late goals by the Wildcats in the 88th and 89th minutes. The Eskomos followed Saturday with a disappointing 2-0 loss at Hermantown, while Tuesday at Public Schools Stadium they were blanked by Duluth Central-Denfeld 2-0 as well.

Sandwiched between the losses was a 3-2 win Monday at Duluth Marshall.

“This was definitely our most difficult week this season, especially with our consistency,” said Esko-Carlton coach Nicki Peterson. “We have to find our scoring, like we’ve had all year. We’re hoping to be on an upswing come playoffs.”

Senior Savannah Schramm, junior Caitlin Lilly and sophomore Hillary Anderson all netted goals in the win against the Hilltoppers Monday, while Lilly scored on an assist from Schramm against Chisago Lakes a week ago. Lilly leads the team with 21 points, including 16 goals.

Esko-Carlton will host the Cloquet Lumberjacks on Thursday in the always-popular rivalry match.

“It’ll be an important game for the section,” said Peterson. “We’re always excited when we get to play Cloquet.”

CEC falls to Marshall, state-ranked Duluth East

It’s been nearly two weeks since their last victory and right now, the Cloquet-Esko-Carlton boys soccer team is searching for any way to post a win on the board. Unfortunately, they’ll have to wait a while. CEC (6-7-1) won’t be back in action until their regular season final Tuesday at home against Duluth Marshall.

Last Thursday the Lumberjacks were defeated by the Hilltoppers when sophomore forward Thomas Welinski netted a pass from senior goalkeeper Tyler Olson in the final minute of overtime. LSC-power Duluth Marshall won 1-0.

Things didn’t get easier for CEC on Monday when they faced Class AA state-ranked Duluth East at Public Schools Stadium. The Lumberjacks battled, trailing just 2-1 at halftime, yet stumbled to a 4-2 loss. Against the heavily-favored Greyhounds, CEC received solid performances from a quartet of juniors, as Sam Longseth buried a 25th-minute strike from Austin Cossalter, and in the second frame, Landen Straub found the back of the net after following a pass from Derek Anderson in the 75th.

Tags: sports, soccer, preps