Lakeville North vs. Eastview
7 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 29

Neither Lakeville North nor Eastview seemed to figure into the picture for the South Suburban Conference title after their early season struggles, but that’s exactly where they are in the final two weeks of the regular season.

The Panthers (7-2-1, 4-0) started the year 1-2-1 and found it difficult to adjust to life without last year's Ms. Soccer award winner Hannah Cade. But behind defender Temi Carda, goalkeeper Taylor Lock and midfielder Haley Steel -- all-state second team selections a season ago -- Lakeville North has started to find its identity.

Olivia Bruce leads the Panthers with eight goals while Lauren Witte and Alyssa Krause each have six.

Lakeville North has won six straight games, including a 1-0 victory over Rosemount, ranked No. 5 in the Class 2A coaches' poll, to remain in contention for a second consecutive conference title. The Panthers have a home game with No. 9-2A Eagan on the schedule Tuesday before heading to Eastview, and they close out the regular season next week with three league matchups, including road matches at Burnsville and Farmington.

Eastview went 0-2 to start the season, losing by a combined score of 6-1. But since, the No. 13-2A Lightning (6-2-1, 4-0) have emerged as one of the state's hottest teams with a seven-game unbeaten streak that includes six straight shut outs highlighted by victories over Eagan (4-0) and Woodbury (3-0). 

Molly Beckman and Haley Ford lead Eastview with four goals each.