Eskomos prepare for playoff push

It's been a busy and very challenging part of the schedule for the Esko girls soccer team. On Saturday, the Eskomos took on one of the top teams in the state. On Monday, they faced a tough Duluth East squad before falling 4-0.

"For the past several years we've had the opportunity to play Benilde-St. Margaret," said co-coach Alissa Anderson. "The last I checked, they were the No. 5 team in the state."

Despite more ball possession time, the Red Knights managed only one goal in the first half as the Eskomos played things close and kept BSM within reach at 1-0. "Because our team was solid in defending half of the field, Benilde-St. Margaret were often playing the ball sideways and backwards rather than attacking," Anderson said.

“Many of their scoring opportunities were not quality chances, because our defenders pushed them outside and forced shots at bad angles,” Anderson said. “We had some flurries at the end of the first half that resulted in several scoring chances [for Esko]. That forced Benilde to switch from their backup keeper who started the game to their starting goalkeeper in the second half.”

The only other goal in the game came midway through the second half in the 53rd minute, giving the Red Knights a two-goal lead.

For the game, Esko goalkeeper Orie Randall made eight saves on 10 shots and played strong in the net.

“Our record of 4-7 does not reflect the growth co-coach Nicki Peterson and I have seen in our team’s ability to play team defense, starting from our back line through the middle of the field and all the way up to our strikers,” Anderson said. “We take pride in the strength of our schedule and feel confident as we head into our last four games of the regular season that we will be prepared for what lies ahead in the playoffs.

“With Section 7A having 18 teams we will have some work to do, but knowing the work ethic of this team, I am optimistic about how far we will be able to extend our season in the playoffs.”

The Eskomos next play Hermantown at Hermantown High School at 5 p.m. Thursday, and Duluth Denfeld at home Tuesday, Oct. 1 at 7 p.m.