The Eden Prairie High School boys and girls soccer teams had a successful weekend, both securing victories in their home openers. The boys team defeated Shakopee 1-0, while the girls team won 3-2 in a hard-fought match.
In the boys‘ game, senior captain and striker Nam Tran scored the lone goal of the match with just over four minutes remaining in the first half. This goal proved to be the difference maker, as the Eagles‘ defense, led by senior captain Nathan Louwagie, held strong to secure the shutout victory. Louwagie’s exceptional performance in goal earned him back-to-back shutouts, following a 3-0 win over St. Louis Park in the season opener.
The girls‘ game was equally exciting, with junior captain Leah Gschwendtner scoring the game-winning goal with a spectacular 25-yard strike that sailed past the Shakopee goalkeeper. The Eagles had to battle back from a 1-0 deficit in the second half, with senior defender Gabriella Lainhart and senior forward Emily Langfield also finding the back of the net. Head coach Jorge Oconitrillo praised his team’s resilience and ability to capitalize on their opportunities.
Both teams now look ahead to their next challenge as they travel to Buffalo for their upcoming matches. The boys will face off against the Bison at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, while the girls will kick off at 5 p.m. in what promises to be another exciting matchup.
The success of both teams in their home openers is a testament to their hard work and dedication on the field. With strong leadership from their captains and coaches, the Eden Prairie soccer teams are poised for a successful season ahead. Fans can look forward to more thrilling matches and impressive performances as the teams continue to showcase their skills on the pitch.