Cloquet-Carlton found the combination to unlock an Esko defense thought to be nearly impenetrable on Thursday, scoring early and holding on for a 3-1 win in both teams’ regular-season girls soccer finales.
Makenzie Lynch started the surprised in the early going as her attempted cross from the right floated into the net from long range. Later, Lynch helped make it 2-0 when her corner kick found an uncovered Makayla Stirewald.
Hannah Rautell got a goal back for Esko with a long shot over the keeper’s head in the second half, but a late breakaway goal for the Lumberjacks’ Aubrey Pavlatos iced the win.
Cloquet-Carlton’s offensive outburst matched the total number of goals Esko had allowed all season to this point.
Lola Lundgren’s goal just seconds after the opening whistle held up for the