Orono vs. Benilde-St. Margaret's

5 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 29

After winning the Class 1A state championship in 2021, Orono is back and as strong and ever as the Spartans are a perfect 10-0 so far this season. However, they will face one of their toughest tests of the season on Thursday when Orono meets Metro West and Class 2A, Section 5 rival Benilde-St. Margaret's.

This is the first meeting between these two since last season's section semifinal meeting when the Spartans knocked off the Red Knights on their run to the championship. 

Orono (10-0, 4-0) has stayed unbeaten with a stingy defensive attack, allowing four goals so far this season. However, the Spartans, ranked No. 1 in the latest Class 2A coaches' poll, have rarely blown out their opponent. The team has only won by more than two goals three times. 

Adam Trongard, the senior keeper who has played the majority of minutes has stopped 26 of the 29 shots he has faced and has helped Orono stay solid on the defensive side. 

Benilde-St. Margaret's (6-3-1, 3-2-0) is trailing the Spartans and could make some major headway if the No. 7-2A Red Knights could pull off the upset. 

After losing a pair of games on Sept. 15 and 17, Benilde-St. Margaret's came back strong this past week with wins against New Prague and Chanhassen. The Red Knights should be well-rested with nine days to prepare.

The goal-scoring for Benilde-St. Margaret's has been by committee. So far, senior forward Aidan Faherty leads the team with three goals this season.