Northern Star: Lilly Kuettel

Kuettel is currently 5th in the state with 32 goals.

DULUTH, Minn.-You’ve heard of the term sophomore slump. But, Duluth East striker Lilly Kuettel continues to debunk that as she’s in the top five in goals for the state of Minnesota.

“I just have a drive that I really just want to score because I want to accomplish something as a team,” said Kuettel.

Even more of an impressive feat is that the four girls ahead of her are all juniors or seniors.

“I think everyone knew Lilly is a fantastic athlete, fantastic soccer player. But to see what she’s doing as a sophomore is something that I think didn’t expect, I don’t think she expected. But she’s had an unbelievable year and she deserves a lot of credit,” said head coach Steve Polkowski.

And so do the one’s that set her up for success.

“She has a lot of fantastic soccer players behind her that are getting her into spots where she can do the damage. You look at Darby Friday, she’s in the top 10 for assists in the state. Kayleigh Wilmot is in the top 10 for assists in the state. Those two do a really good job of setting the table for her and then with Lilly’s speed and tenacity she can usually take it from there,” added Polkowski.

All of which have one goal in common and that’s to win as a team.

“I think it boosts my confidence. I don’t know I just want us as a team to push further because we’ve put in enough work to earn it,” said Kuettel.

Kuettel and Duluth East began state tournament play on Wednesday night against Edina.