There's no single formula for the success of the Duluth East boys soccer team this season, but one big reason why the Greyhounds remain unbeaten is the play of their defense.
That was on display Tuesday in East's 1-0 victory at Hermantown, a game in which the Greyhounds held a 14-2 advantage in shots on goal and limited the Hawks' scoring chances in the win at Corey Veech Field.
It's been a similar story the first month of the season as 10th-ranked East (10-0-3), which has allowed just four goals, ran its winning streak to seven.
"The scoring opportunities have been at a minimum and our goalies have made the saves when they needed to, and that's a good combination," first-year coach Nic Bacigalupo said. "It would be a nice thing to continue."
Goalkeepers Joe Bauer and Daniel Spooner each made one save in their half of play as East continued the goalie rotation it has used most of the season.
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"I've put the challenge on those two," Bacigalupo said. "I told them, 'If somebody is going to step up to the plate, it would be their job.' They both have split time and played very well."
Despite the statistics, the Greyhounds can't be called a defensive team. Bacigalupo brought over the same attacking style of soccer he employed at Duluth Central, but now he has outstanding players on the backline as well.
"Every defenseman is pretty solid," defender Grant Bachhuber said. "Everyone we put in, we can rely on."
Bachhuber and fellow senior Jonathan Cigalio are two of those reliable players.
"Grant was a good surprise for us, since we weren't sure what we were going to do in that back spot, but he's worked really well there. And Jon is solid in front because he's such a big body and he wins a lot of balls in the air," Bacigalupo said.
Hermantown (5-7-2) kept the game tight thanks to 13 saves by goalie Aaron Luhm. Michael Sorensen's goal from the left side of the penalty area in the 49th minute was the lone goal. Pauly Petsoulis' point-blank effort in the first half that was turned away by Bauer was the Hawks' best chance.
"They're the kind of team that takes pride in their defense, and they have talented players all over the field," Hawks coach David Thompson said. "They make you work for every chance you get, and it's been a really nice recipe that's worked for them this year."
So well, that the Greyhounds have a good shot at finishing the regular season undefeated.
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"I'd like to see (the streak) go all year," Bachhuber said. "We started off a different team than we are right now. We figured out what we were bad at and worked on it."
Duluth East 0-1--1
Hermantown 0-0--0
First half -- No scoring.
Second half -- 1. Michael Sorensen (Greg Peckham), 49th.
Saves -- Joe Bauer, DE, 1; Daniel Spooner, DE, 1; Aaron Luhm, H, 13.
