Esko continues its winning ways

The Esko girls soccer team is regarded as one of the top Section 7A teams every year, and this season is no exception. Esko entered Monday's game against Duluth Denfeld with a gaudy 10 wins and only three losses, at the hands of some of the top teams in the area.

Esko dominated play against Denfeld, but was unable to get a ball into the net and settled for a 0-0 tie against the Hunters.

"We had a ton of opportunities," said Esko coach Sharon Lahti. "We had so many shots, but their goaltender played amazing. Kudos to her for keeping us off the score sheet."

Despite not getting the win, Esko had one of its best games of the season in certain aspects.

"That was our best passing game of the season," Lahti said. "We had 15 corner kicks and the ball was down in their end the whole game. I don't know if they even got a shot on our net."

Esko lost three key players last year and has been working to fill those holes this season, including at midfield.

"We've learned a lot so far this season on maneuvering our kids around in different positions," Lahti said. "It says a lot about our girls that they have the versatility to move into different positions."

Things started to come together at a higher level last week.

"We came off a successful season last year," Lahti said. "We've been trying to fill those positions, and during the game against Providence Academy things finally started to click."

That game, played Sept. 21, was a 3-1 loss against a Section 5A foe that is a perennial power in girls soccer.

Last Friday Esko picked up an impressive 4-1 win over Section 3A power Visitation at home.

"We are just trying to get better each game, and that's how we approach things," Lahti said.

Esko rode a six-game mid-season win streak and currently sits with a record of 10-3-1. Their lone remaining game is Thursday in Esko against 7AA Cloquet/Carlton, who beat them 1-0 on Aug. 27. It's the last regular season game for both teams.

"I am happy with where we are," Lahti said. "It's hard to believe that the regular season is almost done. We've been working towards being at our best for the playoffs, so we are excited about the possibilities for this team."