Entering Saturday’s season opener with defending Class 2A champion Anoka, Minneapolis Washburn was not sure what to expect of itself after graduating 12 seniors from a team that lost to the Tornadoes in the state semifinals last year.

Ranked No. 7 in the Class 2A coaches’ preseason poll, the Millers roster includes 10 players who were seeing their first varsity game action against an Anoka team returning 13 players from a season ago.

It seemed Washburn had its work cut out for it, but the team's hard work in the offseason shown through. 

“We really wanted to win, so we worked hard preparing for the season and did what we set out to do,” senior Juan Louis said following the Millers’ 4-0 home victory over the No. 1-2A Tornadoes.

The margin of victory may have taken Washburn (1-0) by surprise, but the flow of the game resembled last year’s semifinal, where the Millers outshot Anoka 17-6.

“We weren’t really sure what we we’re going to have,” Washburn coach Aaron Percy said. “We did some nice things -- there’s areas we can get better -- but overall, anytime you can score four against Anoka, (it) is a pretty good start.”

Washburn proved to be the more technical team, converting on more cross attempts and pressuring Tornadoes' all-tournament goalkeeper Jake Peterson, who was under duress often as a result of the Millers’ ability to strike from outside.

Louis, who was an all-state first team selection last season, was the prime catalyst for Washburn’s air attack. The wing fired crosses and shots at will from all over Anoka's territory.

Matthew Stout scored the Millers' first goal of the season off a rebound created by a midrange shot from Louis. 

“We try to get (Louis) in free space so he can get the ball on his feet,” Percy said. “When he does, he’s as talented as the best players in the state.”

Louis’ ability in traffic also showed his playmaking talent, as he got his teammates the ball off back heels near the net.

“He’s smooth. So good with the ball, it’s hard to contain him with how he moves the ball with his feet,” Percy said.

Washburn’s onslaught on Anoka’s net hardly ceased, and when it did, Millers senior goalkeeper Ben Brauer was there to make the save.

Well, most of them.

In the game's waning minutes, Brauer jumped and made the initial stop but fell after landing, leaving a rebound and a wide open net.

Millers junior captain Cooper Wells, one of the smaller players on the roster, made the biggest save of the night. While inside the net, Wells kicked a shot attempt out of play before it crossed the goal line.

“It doesn’t matter who you are, it's who you want to be when you step out on the field,” Louis said. “It doesn’t matter if we’re not big, or we’re young guys. If we work really hard, I think we can go back to state.”

Upsetting the defending big-school champion is a feat that deserves praise, but Allen knows -- as does his team -- there are more giants ahead, including next Tuesday when Washburn faces No. 3-2A East Ridge -- last year's state runner-up.

“I think (the team) feels reaI good, but we have to make sure they don’t feel too good,” Percy said. "It was a good game, but it was only one. They’re in a good spot. They stepped in nicely and performed well.”

Senior Juan Louis tallied a goal and an assist in the Millers’ 4-0 victory over defending Class 2A champion Anoka Saturday night at Minneapolis Washburn High School.

Ranked No. 9 in the Class 2A coaches’ preseason poll, Washburn (1-0) avenged a 2-1 overtime loss in last year’s state semifinals to the Tornadoes.

Matthew Stout tallied the only goal of the first half, scoring off a rebound from a shot by Louis.

In the second frame, Louis connected on an easy tap-in, helping crack the Anoka net for teammates Darley Florvil and Oscar Shulman, who each scored late in the game.

Millers goalkeeper Ben Brauer stopped seven shots to record the shutout in his first varsity start. Jake Peterson made 13 saves for the No. 1-2A Tornadoes (0-1).

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