Two goals apiece for Waconia’s Charlie Spurbeck and Anthony Shuster and four assists by James Nash powered the Wildcats to a 5-0 victory over Hermantown Friday and into the state soccer semifinals for the first time.

The Wildcats (17-1-2), after surviving a shootout victory over Breck in the section finals, had an easier time of it against Hermantown (12-7-2) in a game played at Chisago Lakes High School.

"I really didn't expect to score two goals tonight, but we played well as a team," said Spurbeck, who also assisted on a goal by Nash.

Waconia head coach Tyrel Seim acknowledge Nash’s role in setting up four goals. "That's why he is All-State,’’ Seim said of the senior. “He is a handful and all he tries to do is make plays.’’ 

In the first half, Spurbeck scored in the second minute. Barely five minutes later Shuster scored to put the Wildcats up 2-0.

Waconia resumed its scoring assault three minutes into the second half, when Spurbeck, a senior, scored his second of the game. Shuster, a junior, added his second goal just three minutes later. Nash scored later to put the Wildcats up 5-0.

Spurbeck said Nash told him “right post and I put it there. We do that same play a lot in practice."

Hermantown, a relatively young team with just four seniors, rode two overtime victories in the section playoffs to earn a quarterfinal appearance.

Waconia, the No. 2 seed, has visions of keeping its season going for two more games.

"We peaked too early last year,’’ Seim said. “This year we feel mature, composed, and hungry to go all the way."