Wayzata's Charlie Kassmir (in blue) watches his tipped ball skip past Edina goaltender Hank Stechmann for the game's first goal. Wayzata held off Edina 2-1 in the season opener for both teams. Photo by Mark Hvidsten, SportsEngine
If this was a normal fall high school sports season, the talk around Wayzata High School would likely center around its football team — the state’s defending Class 6A champion. But the spotlight turns to other Trojan sports now that there’s no prep football until the spring.
Enter the Wayzata boys’ soccer team.
The Trojans gave their fans something to talk about in their opening match of the season on Thursday as they bested defending Class 2A state champion Edina 2-1 at Wayzata High School.
Wayzata (1-0, 1-0) came out from the outset looking like a team excited to be back on the field, eager to defeat its Lake Conference rival and end the Hornets’ 22-game win streak — a run that extended back to the 2018 postseason.
That excitement was led in part by Trojans senior captain Charlie Kassmir. Though his spot the on team’s socially distant bench setup was on the far end, away from many of his teammates, he could be heard by all. On or off the field, he encouraged his teammates.
“I am working hard, but you guys are working so much harder,” Kassmir said during the second half. “I wouldn’t want to be on any other team.”
Photo Gallery: Edina boys vs. Wayzata
Kassmir did more than just talk for the Trojans, who are ranked No. 3 in the Class 2A preseason coaches’ poll. He showed why he’s been a three-year starter.
Sophomore midfielder Joe Highfield opened the scoring on a set piece in the 17th minute. Then, it was Kassmir’s turn. Racing down the field, he took the cross from sophomore forward Mike Orlov and buried the shot in the back of the net to give Wayzata a 2-0 lead before halftime.
“He’s just such a high-energy guy,” said Wayzata coach Dominic Duenas of Kassmir. “His motor never stops. He understands the game and had a great finish. It’s tough to do that against [Edina senior goalkeeper Hank Stechmann].”
The Trojans looked the better team after the opening 40 minutes but in the second half Edina (0-1, 0-1) showed why it came into the season atop the Class 2A coaches’ poll.
“It was hard because the first half almost felt like a scrimmage,” said Edina coach Dave Jenson. “I give [the Trojans] credit. They came out with more confidence. I just told our guys at halftime that we should just go out and win the second half.”
The Hornets peppered Wayzata sophomore keeper Jack Roach with seven shots on net — four of which came in the second half. It took 65 minutes, but Edina’s Matt Mason finally got a shot past Roach to cut the deficit in half.
The Hornets’ pressure rose but Wayzata proved to be up to the challenge. Bringing in Kassmir as an extra midfielder, the Trojans did just enough to hold onto their one-goal advantage.
It remains unclear whether any sort of section or state tournaments will happen due to the COVID-19 pandemic but both coaches acknowledged they do know about one championship that will be awarded: The Lake crown. In order for Wayzata or Edina to claim the league’s top prize, they’ll have to compete not just with each other but also No. 5-2A Minnetonka.
"The Lake is always a challenge," Duenas said. "With being unsure about sections, everything rides on winning the Lake."
Charlie Kassmir (13) and Edina's Tommy Broderick (21) chase an inbound pass in the second half. Photo by Mark Hvidsten, SportsEngine
First Report
Edina went a perfect 22-0 in 2019 but now the Hornets look to recover from a loss for the first time since the 2018 postseason as Wayzata handed the defending Class 2A champions a 2-1 loss in Thursday’s season opener for both teams at Wayzata High School.
The Trojans, ranked No. 3 in the Class 2A coaches’ poll, jumped to a 2-0 lead in the first half and fought off a furious rally from the No. 1-2A Hornets late in the second half.
The first Wayzata goal came in the 17th minute when sophomore midfielder Joe Highfield cashed in on a short-range chance. Later in the half, the Trojans (1-0, 1-0) doubled their lead when senior forward Charlie Kassmir converted on a cross from sophomore forward Mike Orlov.
The Hornets (0-1, 0-1) ramped up the pressure against their Lake Conference rival in the second half and managed a goal in the 65th minute when senior Matt Mason scored after a series of Edina chances. Sophomore goalkeeper Jack Roach, however, held down the Hornets, stopping seven shots.
Edina senior keeper Hank Stechmann recovered from the two goals and finished with seven saves.
Edina junior Kyle Knickelbine (24) sent a header upfield in the second half. Photo by Mark Hvidsten, SportsEngine
MN Soccer Hub polls are for entertainment purposes only.
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