BISMARCK – The Minot High boys soccer team traveled to Bismarck to face the Century Patriots. The Magicians went to the match with two wins in the first week of play and a third place preseason Western Dakota Association (WDA) coaches poll ranking. Century was right behind Minot High at fourth place in the coaches poll with a 1-0 record from the first week of play.

The home team used high energy in the first ten minutes of play for each half, but it was the persistent defense and patient passing that kept the game close and Minot High was able to take the 2-1 win and improve to 3-0 on the season.

The first score of the game occurred 17 minutes into the game when Minot High senior Samuel Echanis threaded a pass to fellow senior Dylan Jackson for the goal and a 1-0 lead over the hosting Patriots. Less than a minute later, Bismarck Century sophomore Teagan Schlichenmayer hit an unassisted goal to tie the game at 1-1 in the defensive battle.

The teams went into halftime tied, although the Magicians had a pair of penalty kicks in scoring range as well as a pair of shots on goal that were close but found the top or sides of the net rather than the inside.

The second half began as the first had, with the home team pushing the agenda. Both teams had few scoring opportunities with a pair of corner kicks for each that were unsuccessful. The game was played in the middle third of the field for most of the game.

Minot senior Kyle Eklund was able to feed the ball into sophomore Tayson Solper for a goal at the 66 minute mark for the 2-1 lead. The next 14 minutes would determine the outcome.

Many times the best defense is an aggressive, attacking offense. For the next ten minutes, the home Patriots were unable to take any shots on goal as the visiting Magicians kept up the patient passing attack with pressure on the Century goalie.

The last four minutes, the home team began using frantic footwork to push the ball but to no avail as Minot High was consistent in keeping the ball on the attack end.

The Magicians will face the home town Sentinels at the new school on Thursday, August 22, in their next game.