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North Branch 2, Cambridge-Isanti 0

The two leading scorers for the North Branch girls' soccer team stayed true to form against Cambridge-Isanti. Sophomore Bayley Ertl and senior Sadie Kolke scored one goal apiece to lead the Vikings to a 2-0 win over the Bluejackets last Saturday, September 11 at North Branch. "Bayley and Sadie kept the pressure on up front the whole game," said Viking head coach Doug Larson.

Late in the fits half, Ertl was fouled in the box. She knocked in the ensuing penalty kick to put the Vikings up 1-0. With about 15 minutes left in the game, Kolke took a nice through ball down the right side and buried it into the left corner deep behind the keeper to give the Vikings a 2-0 lead and a little breathing room.

"Cambridge's only good scoring opportunity came on a breakaway," said Larson," and our keeper, Abby Alm, came up with a huge save on that shot. Our defense played very well. They controlled the ball and didn't give up any other good shots. And Alex Madsen played a great game for us."

St. Louis Park 5, North Branch 1

It was a tale of two halves for the Vikings against St. Louis Park. The Vikings trailed just 2-1 at halftime. But the Orioles showed why they are ranked fourth in the state, scoring three goals in the second half to beat the Vikings 5-1 this past Monday, September 13 at St. Louis Park. Bayley Ertl scored the only goal for the Vikings. She leads the team in scoring so far this season with seven goals and an assist.

"Even though we gave up two goals in the first half," said Viking head coach Doug Larson, "we felt we were in control of the game. We played deep in their end and didn't take advantage of several scoring opportunities. They made some adjustments at halftime and were able to put some balls in the back of the net in the second half. So far this season, when we have had a chance to get a team down early, we haven't taken advantage of it. It's something we are working on.

"We moved Alina Amunrud from attacking midfielder to defensive midfielder. It gives her a better look at the field and she took advantage of it as she was able to run at will through the midfield in the first half. And one of the Orioles plays on the U.S. national team, and Alina marked her and shut her down for the game."

The Vikings (2-5 overall, 1-2 conference) play at home tonight against conference opponent Fridley at 5 p.m. They will host Duluth Denfeld this Saturday at 11 a.m. Next Monday, September 20 they will play at Spring Lakes Park at 7 p.m.

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