Shanley's goal is more goals

Fargo Shanley boys soccer coach Michael Breker knows his team can prevent goals, allowing 21 in 17 games this season.

Finding the net is an area that will be critical for the Deacons as they enter the state tournament, which starts today at Mandan's Dacotah Centennial Park. Shanley plays Bismarck Century at 2 p.m. today in the first round of pool play.

"It's been tough for us to score goals," Breker said. "The games we have been winning, we've been winning 1-0."

Shanley has scored 18 goals this season, an average of 1.1 per match. Senior Drew Glogoza leads the Deacons with five goals and two assists. Breker said his team has the potential for more offense.

"We like hit a lot of posts and a lot of crossbars," Breker said. "The chances have been there for sure."

Shanley senior keeper Pat Thomas has eight shutouts.

"Our ultimate goal is to be playing late on Saturday," Breker said. "We have high hopes. We expect to win."

Wehri, Solberg key for North at state

Fargo North is winless in its last five games, going 0-4-1, entering the state boys soccer tournament.

North closed the regular season with a 1-0 loss against West Fargo last week.

"That was one of the worst games we've played all year," North coach Casey Tidd said. "I will use it as that. No game can be taken lightly. We need to keep our heads in the game, which is the biggest thing. We can't get frustrated and we need to stay focused."

North hopes senior forward Zach Wehri and senior midfielder Dan Solberg can spark the team, which plays Bismarck at 4 p.m. today. Wehri leads the team with 10 goals. Solberg is second with seven.

"If you talk about players getting hot, Dan Solberg, Zach Wehri, you talk about those type guys," Tidd said. "I'm not trying to rely on either solely, but they are key for us."

Depth helps Lisbon earn No. 1 seed

Lisbon clinched the top seed for Class 1A, Region 1 football with a 7-3 victory against LaMoure-Litchville-Marion last Saturday.

Broncos coach Robert Bubach depth has been a critical factor in his team's success this fall.

"We have so much depth," said Bubach, whose team has outscored opponents 87-37 in the second half. "We are able to keep our offensive linemen off the field on defense."

Lisbon (7-1) ends the regular season Friday at Kindred. Sophomore running back Brandon Schell leads Lisbon with 863 rushing yards.

Something else

West Fargo quarterback Tanner Farkas is expected to start against Fargo North in that game that starts at 7:30 tonight at the Fargodome. The senior - who leads the Eastern Dakota Conference in passing yards - hurt his throwing shoulder last Friday against Fargo South. ... Oakes sophomore running back Josh Hagen rushed for 312 yards and six touchdowns on 19 attempts in a 42-0 victory against Steele-Dawson last Friday.

Readers can reach Forum reporter Eric Peterson at (701) 241-5513.

Peterson's prep sports blog can be found at www.areavoices.com Shanley's goal is more goals Eric Peterson 20071011