Within 20 seconds of senior Michael Eigenmann’s second of this three goals against Chisago Lakes, the Red Knights regained possession as they closed in on the Eagles net with a two on one situation. Senior Eric Gunkel’s shot deflected off the goalie setting up an easy tap in for Eigenmann to complete his hat trick on October 7.
Coming off their second loss of the season against Spring Lake Park, senior Vince Beacom looked to get the Red Knights back on track against Chisago Lakes. “With sections coming up and the conference title on the line, we were determined to achieve something that we had not achieved in a few years. Chisago was a good team to get back on track against,” said Beacom.
A common factor in the success of the Red Knights’ season so far has been a consistently dominant defense. “We play very good team defense and are able to shut down teams as a unit and [we have] a very strong goalkeeping core to back us up,” said senior midfielder A.J. Sherman.
The Red Knights started slow, but after junior Jake Horton’s goal, the Eagles defense simply could not stop Eigenmann. “Mike was in the zone. After seeing Jake score he thought that he better get a few so he could catch up to him in total goals this season,” said junior captain Johnny Mulvahill.
Both Horton and Eigenmann concluded the season with 10 goals combining for 20 of the teams 51 goals of the season.
The Red Knights are now focusing on finding ways to touch up their play as they head into sections with a 14-2-1 record — the best in the section. “The game against Chisago taught us that we can’t start out slow and be lazy like we were in the first half,” said Sherman, “if we play like that we won’t go anywhere.”
After earning the number one seed and thus receiving a bye in the first round, the Red Knights will look to continue their success in the second round of sections. “When our defense plays well, its hard for teams to score on us,” said Eigenmann, “we have some good momentum going into [sections] so good things will come from sections and hopefully onto state.”
