As a member of a Wayzata's Class 2A state runner-up team last year, senior captain Ethan Tuch has seen what it takes for an underrated team to make a run in the tournament.
 
Following a 5-0 victory over No. 8-seeded Robbinsdale Armstrong in the Section 6 quarterfinals on Thursday night at Wayzata High School, Tuch had few words about making it back to state.
 
Instead, the Trojans forward said he would rather focus on the immediate challenges facing the top-seeded Wayzata.
 
“I think if we come into practice each day and focus on the next game, we’ll keep playing with a purpose,” said Tuch, who notched his first varsity hat trick in the game against the Tigers.
 
Making a transition from midfielder to forward this season, Tuch found gaps all over the field. And his teammates fed him all evening.
 
“He’s been fantastic on the field and off the field,” Trojans coach Dominic Duenas said. “He’s transitioned really well as a forward for us and getting the other midfielders involved in the play.
 
Tuch opted for the team to practice early on Friday with no school due to the annual Minnesota Education Association break.
 
Either to improve his own game or keep his teammates dedicated, Tuch sees no reason to relax as Wayzata has won six of its last seven games.
 
We’re playing very well when it counts. I’m hoping we can go just as far this year,” he said.

First Report

Senior co-captain Ethan Tuch notched his first career hat trick Thursday night as top-seeded Wayzata shut out No. 8 seed Robbinsdale Armstrong 5-0 in the Class 2A, Section 6 quarterfinals at Wayzata High School.
 
Ranked No. 9 in the Class 2A coaches’ poll, the Trojans (10-3-4) have won six of their last seven games.
 
Tuch opened the scoring 23 minutes into the first half, firing a shot past Falcons goalkeeper John Slack into the bottom right of the goal.
 
Junior striker Maclane King found the net with eight minutes remaining in the first half, putting the Trojans ahead 2-0.
 
Midway through the second half, Wayzata struck again. King scorched down the field and crossed a shot that deflected off the hands of Slack. The ball trickled into the Falcons' crease where Tuch capitalized on the empty net for an easy score. 
 
Just three minutes later, Tuch tallied his third goal. He centered a pass to Matthew Muenchow, who circled away from the net and gave the ball back to Tuch in front of the goal. 
 
Trojans senior co-captain Tyler Stevens fired a low shot from 20 yards out that found the back of the net a minute later, prompting both teams pulling their starters.
 
Wayzata hosts No. 4 seed Minneapolis Washburn in the semifinals on Saturday at 3 p.m.

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