Soccer breaks streak with win over Chisago

The North Branch girls soccer squad ended its losing streak at three games with a 1-0 win Oct. 1 against Chisago Lakes.
The Vikings hosted the Wildcats, and proved to be no match with aggressive play. ìWe won the majority of the 50-50 balls,î head coach Kristen Hetland said. ìWe passed very well. All of the little things we have been doing at practice came together this game.î
Sophomore Destiny Croes scored the lone goal for the Vikes, assisted by sophomore Melissa Grey.
Cambridge came to town Thursday and handed the Vikings another loss with a 3-1 victory.
Hetland said the first half was dominated by the Vikes, but the team could not keep up its intensity in the second half. ìWe passed to playerís feet, and won the majority of decisions,î she said.
Senior Traci Reimann gave North Branch the momentum with the teamís only goal in the first half. ìWe were really motivated after her goal and finished up the half very strong,î Hetland said.
The Bluejackets stepped up play in the second and the Vikings were not able to battle back. Cambridge scored three goals in the half for the win.
ìWe had chances for goals that could have changed the momentum of the whole game, but we couldnít execute,î Hetland said. ìWe have the skill to keep up with many of the teams that we play but some of the players donít have the mental toughness to stay focused and intense the whole game.î
Despite the loss, Hetland was pleased with the strong game played by senior goalie Jacque Wagner, as well as Reimann and senior Sasha Brabec.
What is keeping the team out of the win column in the later part of the season, Hetland said, is consistent play. ìWe have struggled with our consistency. One game we play well, the next not so well.î
The teamís record now stands at 5-6-1 on the season. The Vikes concluded the regular season with a game against Concordia Academy Monday, and will begin subsection play Thursday.
The squad starts subsection play Saturday as the No. 7 seed and faces Mounds Park in quarterfinal action.

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