On Tuesday, October 15th, it went all the way down to penalty kicks before the Cloquet-Esko-Carlton boy’s soccer team could break back into the Minnesota Class AA State Tournament, taking down Hermantown 3-2 in the Section 7AA finals.

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“Obviously, it felt really good, especially for the work that the boys put in. And going up against Hermantown who just got stronger through that season, we knew that we were going to be in for a battle there. And we were. And I’ve never seen them play as good as they did that night,” said CEC boy’s soccer head coach John Sundquist.

The Lumberjacks will return to the state turf for their fourth year in a row, making many of their players seasoned veterans at preparing for the tournament – especially senior players like Noah Hansen and Max Sunquist.

“Just can’t take anybody lightly. Just, they’re all, if you’re in the state tournament, you’re always a good team. So, if you get down there, just keep your head high. Just play as hard as you can,” said Noah Hansen.

And returning to the state tournament also gives the Lumberjack seniors more time to spend in their final season with the team.

“Just being with the guys, leading up to the game, I know everyone is stressed, but like these practices and everything, everyone is just having a great time and we’re all just happy to be practicing the next day,” said Max Sundquist.

The Class AA State Tournament will begin on Tuesday. The Lumberjacks will learn when and who they’ll play in the first round on Saturday, when seedings are released.

CEC enters the tournament with a 15-3 record and seeks to take home their first quarterfinal win since 2022, when they took third place at state.

View the State Class AA bracket here: 2024 State Class AA Soccer, Boys Tournament | MSHSL