Eastview’s stifling defense had allowed just three goals entering Thursday, blanking its previous nine opponents and 16 of its first 18 foes.

With a defense that collapses nearly everyone in its own zone, it appeared an early goal would be plenty for most of its Class 3A boys’ state soccer quarterfinal.

Jacob Sherman had other ideas.

He scored the tying and winning goals 45 seconds apart with just under 15 minutes remaining and Duluth East stunned Eastview 2-1 at Forest Lake High School.

“I am never gonna forget this,” Sherman said. “My brother (Mark) is an assistant coach. The last time they went to ‘The Bank’ was five years ago when he was a senior and now I’m a senior.”

Fourth-seeded Duluth East (15-0-4) gets No. 1 Wayzata (14-1-3) in the state semifinals at 8 a.m. Nov. 4 at U.S. Bank Stadium. Edina and St. Paul Central meet in the other semifinal.

“I’ve been on this team, varsity, for four years with Connor (Lehr), Logan (Murphy) and one of our managers, Aiden (Bolf),” Sherman said. “Going through, this has always been the dream to go to ‘The Bank.’”

Coming back to win is nothing new for the Greyhounds, who trailed Centennial 2-0 in their first section playoff game before winning 3-2. Duluth East also gave up the first goal to Coon Rapids in round two before again winning 3-2.

With a defender seemingly in perfect position him, Sherman’s first goal was a spin move and blast from about 20 yards out. Shortly after that goal was announced, Sherman curled in a free kick from 25 yards out. Four of his team-high 12 goals are via free kicks.

“I think they were just shell-shocked, they hadn’t given up a goal in nine games,” Eastview coach Alex Currie said. “As soon as they put up that second one we turned it on, but unfortunately, it took too long.”

Owen Brown scored on a penalty kick barely two minutes into the game for the Lightning (14-2-3).
Often having all but one player deep in its own end when the opposition has the ball, the Lightning allowed two goals to Minneapolis Washburn on Aug. 29 in the team’s lone loss and one to Park of Cottage Grove Sept. 19.