For real or a fluke? After knocking off No. 1-2A Wayzata on Saturday, unranked and undefeated St. Louis Park (2-0, 0-0) can establish itself as a legitimate state tournament contender by knocking off another ranked team in No. 10-2A East Ridge.
St. Louis Park went 21-4-1 last season but lost superstar midfielder Zinedine Kroeten, a Star Tribune All-Metro first team selection, to graduation. The Orioles’ strong start this season can be attributed in part to the return of 13 players who saw significant action, including co-captains Thomas Salamzadeh, a defender, and midfielders Nicholas Riley, Andrew Kniser and Mohamed Mohamed.
The Raptors, Class 2A state runner-up in 2015, went 7-2-5 in the regular season last year, then lost to eventual state champion Stillwater 2-1 in triple overtime in the Class 2A, Section 4 title game.
East Ridge (1-0, 0-0) opened its season Saturday with a 3-0 rout of Rochester Mayo. Cullen Featherstone, Brennan Featherstone and Josh Tong each scored in that match.