The Minot North boys soccer team won its fourth consecutive match and are in prime position to earn its first trip to the state tournament in just its second year as a varsity program after posting a 2-1 victory over Bismarck High on Thursday, Sept. 11.

The Sentinels, who finished their inaugural campaign 3-13 in conference play, have already doubled their conference win output and currently sit in second place in the WDA, three points clear of Minot High and six points ahead of both Bismarck Century and Bismarck High for the final state tournament spot. There is no West Region postseason tournament.

Minot North (6-4-1 overall, 6-2-1 West Region) never trailed in the match, taking a 1-0 lead on Lester Fuentes’ goal in the 24th minute off an assist from Jayden Marshall. The Sentinels went into the locker room with that one-goal lead before Marshall doubled his team’s advantage early in the second half, scoring in the 44th minute. Moses Conteh was credited with the assist.

The Demons (4-4-1, 4-4-1) closed the margin when Camren Haase found the back of the net in the 60th minute, but Minot North goalkeeper Griffin Wald made three saves for the game and kept the rest of the action in front of him to preserve the victory for the Sentinels.

Minot North held a 7-4 advantage in shots on goal. Bismarck High goalkeeper Drew Haberlock finished with five saves.

The Sentinels host West Region leading Bismarck Legacy on Tuesday, Sept. 16, at 7:30 p.m.