The unbeaten Eagan girls' soccer team might seem from afar like it features the same style of play as in the previous four seasons that have yielded three Class 2A state championships.

However, a closer look tells a different story.

While the Wildcats, ranked No. 1 in the Class 2A state coaches’ poll, have played just as well as last year's team that won the Class 2A state championship, these two collections have won in slightly different ways.

Last year's top two goal scorers graduated and the roster turnover has meant a shift in experience level to the defensive side of the field. So far, they have allowed four goals allowed in 12 games.

"We all know how each other play, which is why we've been doing so good together," said Brooke Peplinski, a senior midfielder is in her third year of varsity soccer.

Julia Barger the game-winning goal Thursday in a 1-0 win over Lakeville North, her ninth of the season. It came with just three minutes remaining, as the junior forward emerged with the ball in a crowd and did not miss.

"I don't know really what happened, I just looked down, and the ball was there," she said.

The Wildcats’ defensive shift this year has led to nine shutouts. Half of the four goals allowed this season came in a 2-2 tie with East Ridge on Sept. 15.

The Wildcats (9-0-3, 5-0-1) have a safety net in goalkeeper Megan Plaschko, a senior who is committed to the University of Minnesota. She helps compliment the experienced backfield.

"Megan Plaschko is a really solid goalie, so we've tried to build from the back-up and score when we can," Barger said.

Coach Turk Ozturk credited Lakeville North's defense for keeping the game scoreless for 77 minutes Thursday. The Panthers were hoping a break down the field would pay off, but the Wildcats held strong.

"We were in their half just about the entire game. Chance, after chance, after chance," Ozturk said. "By playoff time, we have to capitalize on some of those opportunities that we get."

Both Lakeville North and Eagan were state tournament qualifiers last season. Lakeville North ended up losing 1-0 in the Class 2A state semifinals to Maple Grove in a shootout, while Eagan won the championship 2-1 over Maple Grove. Lakeville North has qualified for seven consecutive state tournaments.

With a recent taste of a state championship still fresh in most of their players' minds, Eagan started this fall with an even loftier goal. The Wildcats want to finish the season undefeated.

After another close win Thursday, they are still in the clear.

"It feels good. We only have a couple of regular season games left," Peplinski said.