WILLMAR - Homecoming King Charlie Trochlil earned his sixth shutout of the season Thursday as Willmar blanked Brainerd 2-0 in the Cardinals’ regular-season finale.
A 4-1-1 record in the Cardinals’ last six regular-season matches helped them earn the No. 2 seed and a bye for the upcoming 14-team Section 2A tournament. The Cardinals open the playoffs by playing the No. 7 Mankato East/No. 10 Marshall winner next Thursday at 4:15 p.m. on the Kennedy pitch.
Willmar didn’t play Mankato East during the regular season, but it did beat Marshall 2-1 earlier in the season.
“After 6 games in 10 days, it’s a good time for some rest,” said Willmar coach Jeff Winter. “We are dictating the play of the game, not sitting back waiting. We are making the plays and peaking at the right time.”
Nick McLouth put the first goal on the scoreboard after receiving a pass from Mario Valero in the 7th minute. The Cardinals were then held scoreless by the Warriors for nearly an hour of game time before Juan Contreras scored from an Alex McLouth pass in the 59th minute.
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Trochlil needed to make just 6 saves in the win as Willmar outshot the visiting Warriors 16-6.
Willmar 2, Brainerd 0
Brainerd (5-7, 6-10) 0 0 - 0
Willmar (6-3-2, 10-4-2) 1 1 - 2
FIRST HALF – Wil: Nick McLouth (Mario Valero) 7:00
SECOND HALF – Wil: Juan Contreras (Alex McLouth) 59:00
SHOTS ON GOAL – Brainerd: 6 … Willmar: 16
GOALIE SAVES – Brainerd: Joseph Anderholm 14 … Willmar: Charlie Trochlil 6
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DEFENSIVE SAVES – none
