Pregame preparations for Mounds View soccer goalkeeper Erika Johnson aren’t complete without sharing words of encouragement with teammate Britta Messerly-Menk.

The message before last week’s Class 2A, Section 5 championship game against Maple Grove was simple.

“She said, ‘I have your back if you have mine,’ ” Johnson said.

Putting those words into action, Johnson helped secure a 1-0 victory and a trip to the state soccer tournament. The Mustangs (18-0) were ranked No. 1 in the final coaches association poll and received the tournament’s No. 2 seed. They begin play at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday against Eden Prairie (11-5-2) at St. Cloud State.

Johnson started all 18 games, posting 13 shutouts and surrendering only five goals. She spoke with Star Tribune reporter David La Vaque about ramping up for the playoffs, dealing with pressure and being a team leader.

Q: Good teams that lose a game during the season often learn something important from the experience. This team has not lost, but in what ways have you learned something?

A: Each practice we try to work harder and harder. We do drills that will benefit us in games. We learn through each other’s mistakes and grow with each other.

Q: The games later in the year are so often 2-1 or 1-0. How did the thought of playing tighter games in the playoffs sharpen your focus?

A: Normally me, my goalie coach and [backup goalkeeper Carlye Wright] start practicing 40 minutes before a game. But for the playoffs we came about one hour and 15 minutes early just to mentally prepare and get all of our technique down.

Q: You’re one of three captains and you lead by example. But what other ways do you try to put your mark on this team?

A: On the field I always try to keep people focused and organized in the back line. Our communication is huge; it’s a vital part of our game. And I always keep it positive and try to encourage them. We have a lot of younger kids on the team and you try to mentor them and keep them included.

Q: Last year six freshmen made the team. They are playing big roles again this year so I imagine it’s important to keep them and the older girls unified.

A: This year we have not been cliquey. We’re always participating in everything together. We go out to Applebee’s. We have fun.

Q: Another challenge this year was a coaching change. What role has new coach Terri Patraw played in the success you’ve had?

A: I’d say she’s helped with our speed of play. We’re quicker this year. One to two touches. Finding feet. Send the ball.

Q: The section final game had to be a little interesting. You had beaten Maple Grove 4-0 earlier this season. You’re undefeated. And you got moved to No. 1 in the coaches’ poll. How were you handling all those pressures?

A: I think we all knew we could do it. We had beaten them once and we knew who their key players were. We came out with a strategy and we pulled it off.

Q: You didn’t get a goal until there was about a minute to go. At what point do you wonder if the game would go to penalty kicks?

A: Oh, I was worried about it the whole time [laughs].

David La Vaque