Eagan vs. Minnetonka
11 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 2

Eagan lost its grip on the Class 2A state crown last season after Rosemount ended the Wildcats' run of back-to-back state titles with a 2-1 win in the Class 2A, Section 3 championship.

Eagan, however, begins this season in position to regain a hold on the state title, returning some experience from a team that finished 15-3-1.

The Class 2A coaches agree, giving the Wildcats the No. 7 ranking in the preseason poll, and Eagan (1-0) is off to a solid start thanks to a goal from Kayla Vrieze with 21 seconds left to play in a 1-0 victory over East Ridge on Aug. 24.

Minnetonka brings back eight starters from last year’s squad that made a Class 2A state tournament appearance, including all-state defender Mari Ferrer-Lugo and midfielder Grace Weisman, who recorded 10 assists last year.

The No. 8-2A Skippers look poised to make a run at another Section 2 title after a 2-0 start to the year. Annika Muller scored the game-winner in 1-0 season-opening win over Chaska on Aug. 24, and Minnetonka recorded a 6-0 thrashing of Farmington on Aug. 26.