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The Hermantown boys soccer team has been quietly building turning the heads of its opponents, and the Hawks’ 3-0 win over Duluth Marshall on Tuesday night may have been their most complete performance of the fall.
The victory pushed Hermantown to 5-3-1 on the season and gave the Hawks an important section and Lake Superior Conference victory, the kind of result that can carry weight once October arrives.
Head coach David Thompson credited his captains for setting the tone, noting that both midfielders Hunter Nelson and Brennan Malmstrom found the net in the win.
“Hunter and Brennan are carrying the heavy load, and they’re showing why they’re our leaders,” Thompson said.
Hermantown’s third captain, senior defender Quinn Andrews, has been the steady performer at the back end.
“Quinn anchors our defense,” Thompson said. “He brings calm, toughness and keeps us organized when things get busy.”
The Hawks have leaned on more than just their veteran core. Junior forward Quinn Raukar has emerged as a dangerous attacker who can stretch opposing defenses with his pace.
“Quinn is so fast,” Thompson said. “He puts a lot of pressure on defenses because he never lets them relax. That kind of effort changes games.”
Meantime, goalkeeper Ethan Aysta has been a reliable force. Thompson praised his athleticism and instincts, calling him one of the team’s most gifted players.
“Ethan is a talented goalkeeper,” Thompson said. “He makes the athletic saves, but he also reads the game well. He’s been a huge part of our success.”
Hermantown has little time to celebrate the Marshall win. The Hawks are entering their busiest stretch of the season with four games in the next seven days. It’s a test that can expose a team’s weaknesses — or reveal its resilience.
“We’re about to learn a lot about ourselves,” Thompson said. “It’s a busy time, but these guys are learning from every game, and they’re coming together in a fun way to see.”
For Thompson, this group stands out for its talent, work ethic, and chemistry.
“They’re a joy to coach,” Thompson said. “They work as hard as any team I’ve had and do it together. That’s what makes this team special.”
With veteran leadership, young playmakers and a trusted presence in goal, Hermantown appears ready to push deeper into the season confidently. The Hawks may not be finished growing, but Tuesday’s win showed they’re already a difficult team to handle.
