Sports

Duluth East Upsets Eastview 2-1 in Class 3A Quarterfinal

By Mike Cook

Eastview’s defense had allowed only three goals before Thursday’s game, keeping its previous nine opponents and 16 of its first 18 foes scoreless. The team’s strong defensive play made an early goal seem sufficient for the Class 3A boys’ state soccer quarterfinal. However, Jacob Sherman changed the outcome. He scored the tying goal and the winner 45 seconds apart with just under 15 minutes left, giving Duluth East a 2-1 victory at Forest Lake High School. "I am never gonna forget this," Sherman said. "My brother (Mark) is an assistant coach. The last time they went to ‘The Bank’ was five years ago when he was a senior and now I’m a senior." Fourth‑seeded Duluth East (15‑0‑4) will face No. 1 Wayzata (14‑1‑3) in the state semifinals at 8 a.m. Nov. 4 at U.S. Bank Stadium, while Edina and St. Paul Central will meet in the other semifinal. "I’ve been on this team, varsity, for four years with Connor (Lehr), Logan (Murphy) and one of our managers, Aiden (Bolf)," Sherman said. "Going through, this has always been the dream to go to ‘The Bank.’" The Greyhounds have a history of comebacks, having trailed Centennial 2‑0 in their first section playoff game before winning 3‑2, and giving up the first goal to Coon Rapids in round two before again winning 3‑2. Sherman’s first goal was a spin move and shot from about 20 yards out; shortly after, he curled in a free kick from 25 yards. Four of his team‑high 12 goals came from free kicks. Eastview coach Alex Currie said, "I think they were just shell‑shocked, they hadn’t given up a goal in nine games. As soon as they put up that second one we turned it on, but unfortunately, it took too long." Owen Brown scored a penalty kick for the Lightning (14‑2‑3) just two minutes into the game. The Lightning, often playing with all but one player deep in their own end when the opposition has the ball, allowed two goals to Minneapolis Washburn on Aug. 29 in the team’s lone loss and one to Park of Cottage Grove on Sept. 19.