Nathan Beitler/MDN Sentinels’ goalkeeper, junior Griffin Wald kicks the ball back into play.

The Minot High Magicians picked up the pace in the second half of their away game on Tuesday, September 23, giving them a 3-0 victory over the Minot North Sentinels.

The first half of the game was solid for both teams. Several saved goals by Sentinels junior goalkeeper Griffin Wald kept the Magicians at bay, but the second half of the night felt like a completely different game.

The first goal for the Magi came from junior defender Nolan Schmidt off of a corner kick. The Sentinels once again seemed like they once again had solid control of the ball, but Schmidt was able to squeeze in between Minot Noth’s defenses and score. Schmidt took over the team lead for goals with their victory over the Sentinels with eight total goals on the season. He sent the ball into the back of the net in the 45th minute of the match, giving the Magi an early second half 1-0 lead.

Just thirteen minutes later in the 58th minute of the match, the Magi were able to breakaway and pass the ball up to sophomore Grayson Steele who won the one-on-one against the Sentinels’ goalkeeper and sent the ball into the back of the net for a 2-0 lead.

The rest of the match continued to spell disaster for the Sentinels. They were unable to break through the Magicians’ defense, and the Magi were able to sneak one more goal in before the end of the match. Minot High junior forward Ethan Hanson scored in the 74th minute of the game off the bench, giving the Magi a 3-0 lead to end the game.

Minot High’s victory on Tuesday night, September 23 gives them a decisive second place in the Western Dakota Association with a 7-3-2 record behind the still-undefeated Legacy Sabers. Minot North holds on to their third place spot with a new record of 6-5-1. Minot High will take a week off from soccer before heading back on the road to take on Williston on Thursday, October 9. Minot North will next face off against Dickson while on the road this Thursday, September 25.