Season preview: girls soccer

Esko

The Eskomos have four returning starters and seven players who saw substantial playing time last season. They will look to leadership from Tori Vosburg, Kristy DeMuth and Mal Sunnarborg.

Last year the Esko girls soccer team went 9-8-1 and lost in the section quarterfinal round to Chisago Lakes. If the Eskomos are going to make a move into the later rounds of the sectionals they will need to do so with a younger squad.

Lost to graduation from a year ago was one of the top goalkeepers in the area, Macy Sunnarborg, along with Annika Wold and Terryn McColley up front.

“We expect a lot of growth from our players this season,” said co-head coach Nicole Peterson. “Although they are young and new to varsity soccer, they are skilled and fast. With experience at this level and adjusting to the speed of play, I anticipate they will be a much different team at the end of the season.”

Cloquet

For two straight seasons the Cloquet-Carlton girls soccer team has lost only one game.

Despite being 30-2 over the past two seasons the ‘Jacks did not advance to the state tournament.

Last year the Lumberjacks lost in the sectional semifinals to Duluth Marshall, which then went on to win the sectional title.

This year? Cloquet-Carlton expects to fight for a conference title and have another solid regular season.

“We always expect to be competitive in every game we play, no matter who the opponent is,” said head coach Dustin Randall. “I would be surprised if we didn’t earn a top-four seed for section playoffs.”

Key returners for the ’Jacks include forward Kiana Bender, an all-state player last year, midfielder Jaxie Pogorelc, and goalkeeper Gracie Meagher, who was first team all-conference last year.

Among the new players to keep an eye on are forward Alexa Snesrud, midfielder Jillian McCullough and defender Olivia Jameson.