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Section 3A Quarterfinals-

Mounds Park Academy 3

Chisago Lakes 0

Brett Kjos wanted his eight seniors to go out on top and that's exactly what they did.  Granted, the ‘Cats lost 3-0 to Mounds Park last Saturday in the section 3A quarterfinals, but despite the loss, the Wildcats played another solid game, putting the finishing touches on a solid season.

Chisago Lakes had a history with Mounds Park even before the game started.  Earlier in the season, the Panthers defeated the ‘Cats 6-0, so Kjos and company were well aware of the task that was ahead of them.

Chisago was up to the task, holding the third seeded Panthers scoreless for most of the first half.  The only score of the half came with four minutes left after a defensive breakdown gave Park an opportunity, something they converted on, grabbing a 1-0 lead at the break.

In the second, Mounds Park extended their lead with two more goals.  As for the Wildcats, although they had chances on offense, Chisago failed to convert. The game ended 3-0, putting a close to the 2004 season.

“I felt we played a pretty good game overall,” said Kjos, Chisago Lakes head girls soccer coach. “They were just the better team. In the second half, we had a few scoring chances but just couldn’t get the ball past their goalkeeper. They scored two goals in the second. They were good goals, nothing we could do.”

With the loss, the Wildcats finished the season with a 6-11-1 record, one game better than last season, and two wins more than the Wildcats picked up in the first two years of the program.

“What a tremendous season overall. One of the greatest seasons I’ve ever had, just a great group of girls,” replied Kjos. “It is really amazing on how much they improved during the season. Hopefully we can pick up right where we left off next season.”

It’s going to be tough for one reason- graduation. Chisago will lose eight, including most of their defense. Just in time of the North Suburban conference.

“We are definitely going to miss our senior class next year. We are losing eight. It will be hard to replace our goalie Brittany Linehan. Our starting defensive line is all seniors (Lora Shaleen, Genna Wachutka, Lauren Anderson), and three midfielders are also graduating, which was the key to our success (Alex Zacho, Casandra Quiram, Amanda CasaDeCalvo),” remarked Kjos. “We are also losing our leading scorer Lexi Medellin. Hopefully some of the Junior Varsity players can step up and make an immediate impact as we move into the North Suburban conference.”

First though, a much deserved 10-month break.

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