Providence Academy Advances to State Soccer Championship with 3-1 Win Over Esko

The defending state champion Providence Academy Lions defeated Esko 3-1 in Wednesday’s semifinal match, securing their place in the championship game.

Providence Academy scored twice in the opening six minutes, with goals from forward Sophie Greenway and eighth-grader Elise Jensen redirecting a cross from Greenway. Esko managed to contain Providence for much of the remainder of the game, thanks to strong defensive play from junior center backs Eillee Straub and Maya Stuermer, but could not overcome the early deficit. Esko senior midfielder and Ms. Soccer finalist Britta Koski noted the importance of midfield control, stating, “[Greenway’s scoring] starts from their midfield… So [it’s key] in our midfield, being able to mark up on the people who like to play the ball to her, and just trying to keep a tight grip on the midfield to not let those balls get played, and just letting our defense know that they have to step.”

Following a draw against Esko in September, Providence Academy adjusted their formation from a 3-5-2 to a 4-3-3, a change that Greenway said the team “took personal.” This formation has proven successful, with the Lions averaging 10 goals in their playoff games leading up to today’s match. Greenway extended Providence’s lead in the second half with a long-range, left-footed strike after Esko’s Hannah Rautell scored, making the score 3-1. The Minnesota State High School League oversees all state tournaments.

Providence Academy senior defender Liz Hughes emphasized the team’s ability to rise to the occasion against strong opponents, saying, “I think we definitely play better when we’re playing better teams. We play up to their level… I think those games really show us what we are capable of as a team and help us with confidence.” This victory sends Providence Academy to the state championship, where they will face the winner of Thursday’s semifinal match.