ASHLEY ENGLISH

In a rematch of the state championship game, the Sheboygan North soccer team defeated Bay Port, 2-1, Tuesday to move into sole possession of first place in the Fox River Classic Conference.

“It was an outstanding win, especially on the road,” said Golden Raiders’ coach Tim Eirich after his squad improved to 4-0 in the league and 9-2 overall. “Bay Port is a good program and it is a good test to see where we are at so far this season. It was a super win also for how our 2018 season ended at state to them.”

The Pirates, who beat North for the Division 1 title a year ago, are 4-1 in the conference and 11-2 overall.

Ashley English had both of North’s goals, including the winner with 5 minutes left to break a 1-1 tie.

The junior watched a crossing pass bounce at the top of the box when a Bay Port athlete misplayed the chance to clear the ball.

English was there, however, to kick the ball out of the air to the top left corner of the net.

“I figured it was an opportunity I didn’t want to miss,” she said. “We’ve been looking forward to this game for a very long time, so I was just looking to get anything on it to get it in the net. It worked out.”

English was on the team last season that made its state tournament debut and was glad to get revenge.

“Our team morale is definitely up right now,” she added. “We’ve been looking forward to this since we lost. I’m glad we were able to pull out a win because I’m not sure how the rest of the season would’ve gone if we hadn’t gotten past this.”

This was the first game during North’s seven-game winning streak the team allowed a goal.