Soccer: Alexandria girls control big section road match in East Grand Forks

EAST GRAND FORKS — The Alexandria girls soccer team got perhaps its biggest win of the season on Tuesday, at least in terms of what it could mean for section seeding purposes.

The Cardinals made the long drive to play East Grand Forks where the Green Wave were waiting with a 6-0-1 record that included a 3-0 mark in Section 8AA play. Alexandria handed them their first loss of the season by a 3-0 score.

“East Grand Forks came out strong, playing fast and physical,” Alexandria head coach Amy Korynta said. “They had the better chances to start the game, but (senior goalkeeper) Sophia Vinje was able to keep us in the game. She made several key saves on shots, and one breakaway in the first half. With 14:12 left in the first half, Camree Miller thread a pass through the Wave’s defense, sending Ella Westlund on a breakaway. Ella was able to finish the pass, giving us a 1-0 lead at halftime.”

Westlund scored her second goal of the night 20 minutes into the final half. She scored off a nice crossing pass from junior Sophia Korynta. Alexa Eggebraaten then put the finishing touches on the win off a nice pass from Allie Haabala.

Nick Nelson / Grand Forks Herald

“Three great goals,” coach Korynta said. “The defense was unbelievable throughout the game. Lydia Oldenkamp continues to play with confidence on the back line. Abby Faber, Avery Sinning and Emma Ramstorf were extremely tough on the outside, while Ellen Panther was solid in the middle. Emma Ramstorf really stood out tonight defensively, taking on a new position midway through the first half.”

The Cardinals improved to 8-1 overall. They are 4-1 against Section 8AA opponents, with the lone loss coming in a 2-0 final against St. Cloud Tech . East Grand Forks has a 3-2 win over St. Cloud Tech from Aug. 29, and all three teams look like contenders in the section field.

1/3: Green Wave midfielder Laura Pesch (10) and forward Camryn Adams (15) steal the ball away from Alexandria's Alexa Eggebraaten in the first half of a girls soccer match in East Grand Forks on Tuesday, September 20, 2022. Eggebraaten had the final goal of the game for the Cardinals to help secure the 3-0 win.

2/3: Alexandria's Abigail Faber (12) clears the ball out of the Cardinals' zone as Green Wave forward Camryn Adams (15) closes in during the first half of a girls soccer match at East Grand Forks Senior High School on Tuesday, September 20, 2022.

3/3: Alexandria's Ellen Panther, center, vies for control of the ball with East Grand Forks Senior High forward Camryn Adams (15) at midfield in the first half of a girls soccer match in East Grand Forks on Tuesday, September 20, 2022.

“We were extremely proud of the effort from this entire team tonight,” coach Korynta said. “They trust each other. The culture on this team is so positive. Team first. One team. One task.”