West metro top 10 teams
1. Minnetonka: Pretty simple. 2014 Metro Player of the Year, Suad Suljic, is back. The state’s most dynamic playmaker would elevate any team to elite status.
2. Wayzata: Seven returning regulars, including most of its midfield, and a three-year stopper in goal in keeper Troy Louwagie.
3. Minneapolis Washburn: The Millers move up from Class 1A, where they were ranked No. 1 for much of last season, to Class 2A. Having 12 varsity players back should smooth the transition.
4. Edina: A talented and stingy back line will keep the Hornets, who have only five seniors, competitive in every game.
5. Maple Grove: A move to Class 2A, Section 8 might make the path to the state tournament a little easier for the defending Northwest Suburban champs.
6. Chaska: Lots of offense back for 2014’s Class 1A third-place winners: Jose Cholico, Andrew Leck and Josh Prater each scored more than 10 goals. The Hawks move up to Class 2A this season.
7. Orono (Class 1A): The veteran Spartans got the season off to a strong start with a 2-0 shutout of highly regarded Maple Grove.
8. Minneapolis South: The Tigers have 13 players returning from the west metro’s most underrated program.
9. DeLaSalle (1A): Expectations are at an all-time high after the Islanders’ 2014 Class 1A runner-up finish. A senior core will keep them from falling too far despite losing 12 seniors.
10. Bloomington Jefferson: The Jaguars ended 2014 on a strong note, nearly upsetting Minnetonka in the Class 2A, Section 2 final. Another strong finish will be needed after losing their first three games.
Individuals (In alphabetical order)
• Hamza Abdujalil, Minneapolis South, sr., MF
• Avi Eller, Breck, jr., F
• Joe Engel, Bloomington Jefferson, sr. GK
• Luke Horton, Benilde-St. Margaret’s, sr., F
• Alex Kill, Orono, sr., F
• Evan Kill, Orono, sr., D
• Callen Knutson, Mpls. Southwest, sr. F
• Juan Louis, Minneapolis Washburn, jr., F
• Troy Louwagie, Wayzata, sr., GK
• Tanner Scott, Heritage Christian, sr., F
• Suad Suljic, Minnetonka, sr., MF
• Michael Wageman, DeLaSalle, sr., F
Circle the calendar
Thur., Sept. 10: Edina at Wayzata, 5 p.m.
Thur., Oct. 8: Wayzata at Minnetonka, 5 p.m.
Sat., Sept. 26: Mpls. Southwest at Mpls. South, 4 p.m.
Jim Paulsen
Tag(s): Edina Minnetonka Wayzata Minneapolis South Minneapolis Washburn Heritage Christian Chaska Northwest Suburban Maple Grove Bloomington Jefferson Breck DeLaSalle Orono Edina Minnetonka Wayzata Minneapolis South Minneapolis Washburn Heritage Christian Chaska Northwest Suburban Maple Grove Bloomington Jefferson Breck DeLaSalle Orono Class 1A Class 2A Class 1A Class 2A Class 1A Class 2A Class 1A Class 2A Class 1A Class 2A Class 1A Class 2A