Boy Soccer Roundup

It was overall a good week for the Cloquet-Esko-Carlton boys soccer team as a loss to Class AA power Duluth East was book-ended by dominant performances over Hibbing and Ashland.

Cloquet defeated Hibbing at home Tuesday 5-0 on a perfect day for outdoor soccer. Two goals midway through the first half set the tone, and a successful penalty kick seven minutes into the second half took the wind out of the sails of a feisty Hibbing team. Cloquet got goals from five different players and keepers Alex Munoz and Brady Anderson shared the shut out.

Thursday's weather at Duluth East's Ordean field was anything but perfect, as strong cold winds and driving rain made the Greyhounds home artificial turf a slick and slippery challenge. Two Greyhound tallies with the wind at their backs had the 'Jacks down but not out at half time. As the second half got rolling, CEC appeared to acclimate to both the turf and East's speed and athleticism as they had multiple chances to talley but could not find their scoring touch. Nonetheless, they held East scoreless for the half, and while the 'Jacks and their coaches never enjoy a loss, it was a solid performance against last year's Class AA runner up.

Saturday morning found the 'Jacks enroute to Superior to play the Ashland Oredockers in the first of four games hosted by Superior at its annual Lake Superior Conference jamboree. The 'Jacks cruised to a 7-1 victory over a small Oredocker team that never gave up.

The CEC coaches rotated all varsity players through the game in what was perhaps the Jack's most complete team victory to date.

If the Jacks have struggled this year, it has been in their ability to convert on their prime scoring chances, something the coaches have been working on since the start of the season. Joe Baker's goal midway through the second half Saturday made it clear that those efforts are paying off. With Otto Cockburn flying down the right side of the pitch keeping the ball within easy reach, Baker kept pace on the opposite half, patiently staying onside. He was rewarded with a beautiful crossing pass from Cockburn that Baker met with a hard and well-timed right footed strike in mid-air. The keeper had no chance and the goal left no doubt that the 'Jacks were beginning to find their scoring touch.