Duluth East men's soccer team won their section 7AA final on Tuesday night after beating Blaine 4-1 at Ordean Stadium. No fewer than 21 out of the 22 rostered players are current or former Gitch players. East, who is expected to be the number 1 seed, find out who they play on Saturday. 

On top of this, East standout Seth Hoffman has been nominated for Mr. Soccer, Minnesota. Seth has been a leader with his Gitch team over the last 7 years.

We asked Seth some questions about how his season went and what he expects coming up. "The season has gone well. I think personally I’ve continued to grow and develop as a player and a leader. I’ve had to fill a bigger role on the team this year due to both of our midfielders last year being seniors. Our team continues to grow every day in how we play and work together. We’ve had a great year so far because everyone has worked hard and contributed to our success. I expect big things as we finish out the season. I hope we get the #1 seed going into state, and stay on top. I’d love to come out of State as a champion, but it will take a team effort and hard work."

Speaking about his Gitch experience and what he has learned he said, "Gitch has taught me a lot. First, most of my personal development happened while I was playing for Gitch because we would practice all year round, and I was playing with the same guys all year. I’ve also learned what it takes to be a good soccer player. This past season my team was in the U19 premier league and I saw many great players every game. I had to push myself harder to be able to compete and try to be the best I can. Lastly, I learned why I play soccer. I show up to practice and look forward to every game because I love the sport and I have fun playing it. This is important because there are up and downs I’ve faced throughout my time at Gitch, but I continue to go on because I love the game."

Coaching Director Barry Chastey said of Seth, "His technical ability and his competitive desire has really flourished in his time with Gitch. It is a wonderful honor for him to be nominated for Mr. Soccer. Hopefully, he can join Daniel Hedstrom as a previous Gitch Mr. Soccer winner on Sunday at the State banquet."  Sean Morgan, who coached Seth to a Summer State tournament win this year said, "Seth is technically great with a hardworking attitude and a mean streak in big games. He has plied his trade with Gitch for years now and his talent and growth is evident."

Chastey added, "It is wonderful to see so many players from Gitch taking a team to the High School State tournament. To have 21 players out of the 22-man State squad (for East) who have spent numerous years with Gitch, all of which I have had the chance to work with and see develop, is just proof that our process of developing players works.  I am delighted for the players and their families who have committed their time to become quality soccer players. I hope they go down to the State Tournament and make some waves!"

We have many more Gitch players playing tonight in the 7A section finals. Marshall girls and Denfeld Boys will be playing at 6 pm and 8 pm tonight at Ordean stadium at East High School in their respective finals. Come out and support local soccer tonight.