Looking at the Edina boys’ soccer team varsity roster, no one grade level seems to dominate. The Hornets boast a group balanced with sophomores, juniors and seniors. A freshman even made this year's squad.
In Thursday’s season opener against Minneapolis Washburn, it was some of Edina’s younger players who had some of the brightest moments.
Sophomore attacker Sammy Presthus netted a pair of goals for Edina. His tallies loomed large as the Hornets upended Minneapolis Washburn 3-2 at Kuhlman Field, adjacent to the Edina Community Center.
In the early going, the Millers, ranked No. 7 in the Class 2A coaches’ preseason poll, used their speed to generate a few offensive chances, but they couldn’t cash in.
In the ninth minute, No. 3-2A Edina got its best opportunity of the match on a free kick. Senior attacker Oscar Smythe blasted the shot toward the net. It initially appeared that Washburn goalkeeper Ben Schielmann had the save, but the ball got away from him and rolled into the goal, giving the Hornets a 1-0 lead.
Edina got the new season off to a good start on Thursday night. The Hornets, ranked No. 3 in the Class 2A coaches’ preseason poll, leapt to an early 2-0 lead and never trailed, besting No. 7-2A Minneapolis Washburn 3-2 at the Edina Community Center's Kuhlman Field in the season opener for both teams.
In the 10th minute of the match, the Hornets (1-0, 0-0) had a free kick and took advantage when senior attacker Oscar Smythe’s shot scooted past Millers goalkeeper Ben Schielmann and made it 1-0 Hornets.
Later in the half, sophomore attacker Sammy Presthus doubled Edina’s lead. Presthus added another goal in the second half on a loose ball in the box.
Though Washburn (0-1, 0-0) fell behind quickly, it nearly mustered enough offense to tie the match late. The Millers tallied their first goal when senior attacker Darley Florvil snuck past the Edina offense and hammered a shot into the net to make it 3-1.
With about five minutes remaining, Washburn was awarded a penalty kick and scored a second time, courtesy of Florvil again.
Hornets junior goalkeeper Hank Stechmann made six saves. Schielmann had four saves for the Millers.
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