Eagan and Lakeville North have combined for 13 shutouts in 19 possible games and average 0.37 goals allowed per game this year.
They even played to a 0-0 draw in their regular-season match a year ago.
Knowing that, it's likely that one goal could be the difference-maker when they meet Thursday in our Top Game of the Week.
Eagan boasts an unbeaten record largely on the back of their staunch defense, which has given up just four goals in 10 games — two coming in a Sept. 15 draw with East Ridge. With five games remaining in the regular season, the Wildcats (7-0-3, 3-0-1), ranked No. 2 in the Class 2A state coaches' poll from Sept. 16, are closing in on a South Suburban Conference title but must rely on their defense to hold off Lakeville North and run down league-leading Rosemount.
When Eagan scores — its averaging 2.8 goals per game — it often looks to Grace Sjoberg. Her team-high three assists may create chances that swing this game in the Wildcats' favor.
Lakeville North's defense has been equally impressive, allowing a mere four goals this season, including the lone decider in a loss to Rosemount on Sept. 18. Every victory by the No. 10-2A Panthers (5-1-3, 3-1-0) this year has been a shutout.
Anna Steel, a senior midfielder, scored the game-winning goal in a 1-0 defeat of rival Lakeville South on Sept. 11. Steel’s among the Panthers' senior class looking to return to the Class 2A tournament.