Other than sitting at opposite ends of the metro, these programs have quite a bit in common. We won’t go so far to call them mirror images, but both have been building toward state championships (unsuccessfully so far) for decades.
Rosemount made the first of its five appearances in 1984. The Irish’s most recent tourney trip, in 2016, ended with a runner-up finish to Centennial. White Bear Lake made the first of its six state tournament appearances in 1992. The Bears’ most recent tourney trip, in 2012, ended with a runner-up finish to Wayzata.
Given their strong starts, it’s possible one of these programs ends its championship drought this season.
Rosemount, No. 2 in the Class 3A Minnesota State High School Soccer Coaches' Association rankings, is undefeated with five shutouts. One of the victories was a 14-0 rout of Northfield. Junior Ava Grate leads the Irish (6-0, 1-0) with seven goals.
White Bear Lake lost 4-0 to No. 4-3A Centennial on Saturday, but the No. 9-3A Bears (5-2, 1-0) have otherwise been teetering between competitive and dominant. Two 6-1 victories over Burnsville and Lakeville South have been among the highlights, and the only other loss was 3-2 against No. 3-2A Mahtomedi. Senior Lauren Eckerle leads the Bears with eight goals.