Find Zack Boerjan and chances are Connor Stevenson is nearby.
The pair are nearly inseparable, whether playing soccer for the East Ridge varsity squad or playing soccer video games at home.
“No doubt, we’re always with each other, on and off the field,” Boerjan said.
Boerjan and Stevenson’s bond makes for a strong friendship but it is also a boon for the Raptors, who are undefeated this season and looking primed for repeat run to the state tournament thanks to the pair's play.
Boerjan and Stevenson showed off their chemistry in a 5-0 victory over Lakeville North that helped the Raptors, ranked No. 2 in the Minnesota High School Soccer Coaching Association’s Class 1A poll, improve to 9-0 this season.
Boerjan and Stevenson, who are both senior forwards, accounted for four of East Ridge's goals.
Boerjan scored twice but also set up Stevenson for two scores.
Boerjan’s second assist of the game came on a gorgeous feed through to Stevenson, who gently tapped the ball into the net for his 13th goal this year.
“As you saw on the second assist from Zack to Conner, that they have that chemistry and that understanding of playing together,” junior varsity head coach Armando Oster said.
The duo developed their dynamic relationship while playing together for several years. They started together in the youth leagues and have made their way up to the club level where they are teammates on the St. Croix Academy club soccer team.
However, their time together is coming to an end. Both are seniors at East Ridge.
Stevenson has committed to play Division I soccer at the University of Loyola-Chicago, and Boerjan said that he has received interest from St. John’s University, located in Collegeville, Minn., and Luther College, in Decorah, Iowa.
