After starting at midfielder last season, Mounds View’s Josh Hintz asked coach Chris Scanlon if he could make the move to striker his senior year - the position he played before high school.

During the offseason, Hintz played center midfielder for his club team, developing his dribbling one-on-one against defenders and his upfield vision.

“I know he worked really hard over the summer,” Scanlon said. “We’ve stayed in touch throughout the year and he told us he wants to play up top, and we’ve given him the opportunity.”

Fine-tuning his play as a midfielder paid dividends for his return to striker as Hintz scored two goals against the Cloquet-Esko-Carlton, leading the Mustangs to a 3-1 victory Wednesday at Mounds View High School.

On Mustangs’ roster that returns 16 seniors, Hintz is optimistic in his team’s chances to make a state tournament appearance this season. 

“I’ve played with them for four years. They’re really good people and also great soccer players. I’m really excited about our chances this year,” he said.

Hintz also advises opposing teams to not count out the Mustangs’ starting sophomore duo of Thomas Limborg and Till Konczak. 

“They’re great players and play really hard. Not the biggest kids but they have big hearts,” Hintz said.

Scanlon is confident his underclassmen aren’t a kink in the Mounds View defense and plays the two on the same side.

“They’re both very skilled players. They know each other and work well together,” he said.

Primed on spreading the ball and controlling the possession battle, the Mustangs are bound to capitalize on the chances they create.

“Being unselfish with the ball is one of our strengths,” Hintz said. “All we need to do is finish.”

Scanlon encourages baby steps for his team. Focus on improvements game-by-game and the hardware will follow come October.