Wayzata's Eva Bruer (left) and Stillwater's Abby Begin battled for the ball in overtime of the Class 2A semifinal Tuesday at U.S. Bank Stadium. Photo: ELIZABETH FLORES • liz.flores@startribune.com
Once Wayzata coach Tony Peszneker selects his varsity girls’ soccer team each season, he begins charting a select group to handle penalty shots.
The Trojans’ special teamers justified the season-long search. They bested Stillwater 7-6 in an overtime shootout to win the game and advance to face Lake Conference rival Minnetonka in the Class 2A championship game at 3 p.m. Friday.
No. 2 seed Wayzata (17-3) went second in the shootout and converted four consecutive times in rounds five through eight to avoid elimination. Then goalkeeper Madison Lo stopped Stillwater in the ninth round and teammate Elizabeth Page followed with the clinching goal.
“When I saw Elizabeth ready in line to kick, I knew she’s a really consistent kicker so I felt pretty good,” Lo said.
Photo gallery: Class 2A semfinals
Page and the Trojans saw the first semifinal at U.S. Bank Stadium go to a shootout and readied for a similar outcome.
“We didn’t want to try to get to it, but since we were so prepared, once we got there, we all knew we just needed to do what we could to pull out the win,” Page said.
Using analytics that a baseball fan could appreciate, Peszneker charts players on 50 penalty kicks taken in practice throughout the season. He identifies the steadiest performers and allows them to set the lineup order.
Both regulation goals came on penalty kicks. Wayzata senior Megan Malecha made it 1-0 late in the first half and senior Abby Begin of No. 3 Stillwater (15-2-4) tied the game in the second half.
DAVID LA VAQUE
First report
Wayzata, forced to convert four consecutive shootout kicks to stay alive against Stillwater, prevailed on a goal by senior Elizabeth Page for a 7-6 shootout victory on Tuesday in the second Class 2A semifinal.
Trojans goalkeeper Madison Lo gave her team the chance to win it when she stopped the Ponies’ shooter in the ninth round.
The game was tied 1-1 heading into overtime at U.S. Bank Stadium, where both teams had chances to win it.
Wayzata senior Megan Malecha scored on a penalty shot late in the first half.
Stillwater tied the game in the second half on senior Abby Begin’s penalty shot.
Wayzata advances to play Lake Conference rival Minnetonka for the Class 2A championship at 3 p.m. Friday at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Check back later for more on the game.
