SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Yellowjacket men's soccer team has been nothing short of dominant throughout the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC). During the 2023 campaign, the only team within the conference to give them grief were the Vikings of Bethany Lutheran, who defeated the 'Jackets 1-0 on Sept. 24.
 
After a 6-0 victory over Northwestern Wednesday the Yellowjackets would earn a date with none other than Bethany Lutheran.
 
Both teams played a tight match on championship day which ended with the Yellowjackets finding the back of the net to secure the seventh consecutive circuit title.
 
From the first whistle both the Vikings and 'Jackets played a physical game, as both teams were eager to strike first. Vikings goalkeeper Nick Lundberg was tested early on from Jake Kidd (Superior, Wis./Superior Senior) and Freddy Watson (Wendover, England/Berkshire College of Agriculture), but Lundberg held his own and thwarted any attempt of an early goal. His luck would run out, however, when Joel Thomas (Cardiff, Wales/Islwyn) provided a beautifully placed corner kick to Karsten Kletti (Vadnais Heights, Minn./White Bear Lake Area), who capitalized and notched the lone goal of the game at the 40th minute of play.
 
The Vikings would attempt to counter, but junior goalkeeper Alex Paredes (Mequon, Wis./Homestead) would maintain his ground, picking up the clean sheet on the afternoon with six saves. Lundberg ended his afternoon with eight saves.
 
The Yellowjackets would fire 19 shots throughout the match with nine finding the mark. The Vikings would end with 10 total shots with six on frame.
 
UWS advances to the NCAA Tournament after today's win. The 'Jackets' opponent will be revealed Monday at 12:30 p.m. during the NCAA selection show.