NEW BALTIMORE – After a regular season of inconsistency, Macomb Dakota jacked it up a level in its state tournament opener.

Dakota netted a season-high five goals and walked off the pitch Thursday at Anchor Bay with a resounding 5-0 shutout of Harrison Township L’Anse Creuse in a Division 1 pre-district contest.

Dakota has been outscored 25-18 this season, so seeing its offense come alive was a welcomed event, according to coach Stefano Moraccini. The Cougars were also shut out seven times this season.

That wasn’t the case this time around.

“We did score five. And you know what? We should’ve scored a lot more,” noted Moraccini, who celebrated a birthday Thursday. “We had our chances. Now hats off to their goalkeeper (Wesley Johns). He made some terrific saves, especially early in the g

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