Thursday's prep boys soccer playoff game: Duluth Denfeld vs. Chisago Lakes Area

Duluth Denfeld (15-4) vs. Chisago Lakes Area (11-4-2)
What: Section 7A championship
When: 5:30 p.m.
Where: Chisago Lakes High School, Lindstrom, Minn.
Outlook: The second-seeded Hunters moved closer to their first state tournament appearance since their lone trip in 2004 with a 3-1 semifinal win over Hermantown on Tuesday at Public Schools Stadium. Brandon Hair, Jon Faynik and Keegan Chastey scored goals for Denfeld and James Faynik, Jon’s older brother, made seven saves in goal. The Fayniks have been solid for the Hunters all season, with Jon, a sophomore, leading the team in goals (15) and points (21) during the regular season and James, a senior, posting a 0.91 goals-against average and six shutouts. Chastey (3-13-16), the eighth-grade son of St. Scholastica men’s coach Barry Chastey, is the top playmaker. Caden Rathke (5-3-8) and Brady Bastyr (6-1-7) are other options. Denfeld thrashed tonight’s opponent, 5-1 on Sept. 24, by scoring the final five goals, two by Jon Faynik. … The Wildcats eliminated Cloquet-Esko-Carlton 2-1 as Ryan Mower scored off Nick Pautz’s free kick with three minutes remaining in the second overtime of Tuesday’s other semifinal. Forward Nils Gulbranson led Chisago Lakes with 26 goals - fourth-most in the state - and had nine assists in the regular season. Forward Pautz (7-13-20) and midfielder Bryce Burds (7-4-11) are other scoring options, while Reece Lawlor (1.8 goals-against average, five shutouts) started every game this season. Chisago Lakes is seeking its first state berth.