URGENT UPDATE: Duluth Marshall’s boys soccer team faced a devastating defeat in the Class A quarterfinals, falling to Southwest Christian 2-1 in overtime on October 26, 2023. The game, held in Forest Lake, ended another season for the Hilltoppers, marking the third consecutive year they have exited at this stage.
This intense match saw the Hilltoppers initially take control, but a late goal by Southwest Christian in the 76th minute shifted momentum dramatically. Coach Luke Herbert of Southwest Christian warned his team about the urgency of scoring, stating, “To get a goal with under 5 minutes is such a huge momentum swing.” Brody Uglum’s equalizer forced overtime, leaving Duluth Marshall scrambling to regain composure.
Despite strong defensive efforts from Duluth Marshall, they were unable to fend off the late-game surge. Coach Mike Sengbush remarked, “The guys were fine… we saw the opportunity and almost got one right off the kick.” However, the relentless pressure from Southwest Christian culminated in a goal by Andrew Nicholson just before the first overtime period concluded.
The Hilltoppers had a solid start, with goalie Kyler Black delivering a stellar performance, recording nine saves throughout the game. “Kyler has been very timely this year,” Sengbush noted, praising Black’s ability to read plays and make critical saves. Unfortunately, despite his efforts, the team could not convert their chances into goals.
Marshall’s players experienced a slow start, compounded by a late bus departure from Duluth that shortened their warm-up. “We ended up kicking it into gear,” said player Benson Peterson, who scored Marshall’s only goal. “Our whole team really picked it up.” His goal came early in the second half, showcasing his determination and tactical awareness.
As the match progressed, Duluth Marshall struggled to capitalize on their possession, with Herbert acknowledging, “We had a lot of possession without creating a lot of opportunities.” The Hilltoppers fought valiantly, but once again found themselves at the mercy of a late-game collapse.
With this loss, Duluth Marshall ends their season with a record of 11-6-2, leaving players and fans with heavy hearts. Sengbush expressed the emotional weight of the defeat, stating, “This was one of the best opportunities we’ve had to advance, but obviously we’ve got a lot of broken hearts up there right now.”
As fans reflect on the season, the Hilltoppers will look to rebuild and prepare for future challenges, hoping to break the cycle of heartbreak in the playoffs.
Stay tuned for further updates on Duluth Marshall’s soccer program and upcoming seasons.
