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Wayzata routs East Ridge in battle of Class 2A powers

By Ricky Campbell, SportsEngine, 09/15/17, 10:30AM CDT

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Galinson tipped a ball to Weah for a score before the first-half buzzer.


Wayzata sophomore Patrick Weah celebrates his second goal of the match with one second remaining in the first half Saturday afternoon against East Ridge. The Trojans defeated the Raptors 4-1. Photo by Jeff Lawler, SportsEngine

Drew Galinson and Patrick Weah scored two goals apiece for No. 2-2A Wayzata (8-0-2) en route to a 4-1 win over No. 7-2A East Ridge Saturday at East Ridge High School.

For a team that came up short in last year’s Class 2A title game, the Trojans are again establishing themselves as a contender. On Saturday, it was on the back of Galinson -- a senior who notched an assist in last year’s state semifinal -- and Weah, a sophomore, even when they started a little slow.

East Ridge (5-2) drew first blood on a Graham Phipps goal 3:21 into the game. After that, Wayzata’s defense buckled down -- and outside a couple East Ridge near-scores, never looked back.

“We adjusted well,” coach Dominic Duenas said. “Our guys stepped up the the challenge. After that, we defended well after the the first five minutes.”

Weah, a physical 6-footer, scored first for Wayzata, on a big kick that beat East Ridge keeper Jake Wagner for his 10th goal of the season. Galinson, with 6 goals on the season, scored next and then, at the first-half buzzer, tipped a ball to Weah, putting the Trojans up 3-1. 

Galinson squeaked one by back-up East Ridge goalie Nick Wagner at the 10:55 mark in the second, sealing the game for a senior-heavy Wayzata squad that came off a 2-2 tie to cross-bay foe Minnetonka earlier this week.

“[Galinson] is a big-time leader. …he’s a vital piece of our set pieces. Getting two goals off our set pieces is huge for us,” Duenas said. “It got us out of the hole we were in.”

After East Ridge dominated cross-town rival Woodbury 5-0 on Tuesday, the Raptors dropped their first match since an Aug. 31 loss to Minneapolis Washburn, allowing as many goals Saturday as they have all season. 

“It was a lot of panicking,” Tony Bidwell said. “If we can settle down and slow down and play soccer, I know we’re right there technically and tactically.”

At the 34th minute in the first half, East Ridge was controlling the ball deep in Wayzata territory. But a called handball changed the momentum of the Raptors push, leading to a Wayzata possession and Galinson’s first goal. 

“These losses are learning experiences and an opportunity to grow,” Bidwell said. “The result isn’t indicative of what these guys are capable of, and I think they know that.”
 


Wayzata junior Ethan Wagner curls a crossing pass around a trio of East Ridge defenders Saturday afternoon. The Trojans defeated the Raptors 4-1 at East Ridge High School. Photo by Jeff Lawler, SportsEngine

First Report

Drew Galinson and Patrick Weah scored two goals apiece for Wayzata (8-0-2) en route to a 4-1 win over East Ridge Saturday at East Ridge High School.

Weah, a 6-foot sophomore, scored first for Wayzata on a big kick that beat East Ridge keeper Jake Wagner for his 10th goal of the season. Galinson, with six goals on the season, scored next and then, at the first half buzzer, tipped a ball to Weah, putting the Trojans up 3-1. 

Galinson squeaked one by back-up East Ridge goalie Nick Wagner at the 10:55 mark in the second, sealing the game for a Wayzata squad that fell short in last year’s Class 2A state final.

East Ridge (5-2) dropped its first match since an Aug. 31 loss to Washburn and allowed as many goals this game as they have all season. The Raptors controlled the ball for most of the first half, including its lone, early goal 3:21 into the game from Graham Phipps. 

Photo Gallery


East Ridge sophomore Reece Dodd works around a Wayzata defender Saturday afternoon at East Ridge High School. The Raptors were defeated by the Trojans 4-1. Photo by Jeff Lawler, SportsEngine

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Wayzata forward Patrick Weah dribbles around an East Ridge defender Saturday afternoon at East Ridge High School. Weah had two goals for the Trojans in the 4-1 victory over the Raptors. Photo by Jeff Lawler, SportsEngine

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