Northern Stars U19 boys soccer team captured the East Central Classic 1 Division championship. Team members, front row, from left: Caleb Plumley, Myles Carey, Michael Colavecchi, Ryan Hakamaki, Ben Backlund and Michael Kulas Back Row: David Brule, Eliot Merrill, Michael Halley, Jurgen Kleiman, Ethan Gribble, Caleb Bryant and Coach Greg Kulas. Not pictured is Owen Caudell.

NIAGARA, Wis. — Northern Stars U19 boys soccer team downed Manitowoc 4-2 and clinched the East Central Classic 1 Division.

The Stars, 7-1, also won the Hurricane Cup tournament in Green Bay this season.

In the final game, Stars jumped out to a quick lead when Ben Backlund scored 10 minutes into the game. Jurgen Kleiman assisted on the goal.

David Brule scored four minutes later, with an assist from Michael Halley. Manitowoc tied the game before halftime with a 30-yard shot just under the crossbar and header off of a corner kick.

The Stars scored two goals in the first eight minutes of the second half. Backlund and Brule had the goals, with both assisted by Kleiman.

“A strong defensive effort by the entire team held Manitowoc scoreless in the second half,” said Stars coach Greg Kulas. “The team had an outstanding season.

“This group of young men enjoy playing the game of soccer, they had good team chemistry, and they worked together as a team to play really good soccer all season.”