Tonka girls soccer misses in upset bid

Coach Jeff Hopkins of the Minnetonka High girls soccer team knew the Skippers would have to play a nearly perfect game to upend Edina in the Section 2AAA finals Oct. 17 on a neutral field at Prior Lake’s Dan Patch Stadium.

In the first half, which ended 1-1, Minnetonka did approach perfection. But in the second half, with a 35-mile-per-hour wind behind them, the Hornets broke loose for two goals to win 3-1.

Avalyn Irwin scored on a high, wind-aided shot to give Minnetonka and early lead. But before halftime Edina’s Mikaela Caverly scored the equalizer.

“I am proud of our effort, but going against the wind in the second half was tough,” coach Hopkins said. “We couldn’t generate many attacks.”

Edina went to its go-to scorer, junior midfielder Lou Ruffien, for a goal and also had a goal from Evie Kachmarzinski.

“Ruffien has the mobility to go anywhere she wants to on the field,” coach Hopkins said. “She is a special player - one of the best in the state.”

Edina advances to state with an overall record of 12-1-5. The five ties are a new school record for the Hornets. Minnetonka finished the season with an overall mark of 10-6-2.

Semifinals

Minnetonka and Edina both recorded shutouts in the Section 2AAA semifinals Oct. 15 with Minnetonka winning 2-0 over Eden Prairie and Edina ending Chanhassen’s season 4-0.

Audrey Booton and Avni Udupa scored Minnetonka’s goals against Eden Prairie with Lillian Jones recording the shutout in goal. Addy Keenan had the Skippers’ lone assist.

“Hats off to Eden Prairie for a good match,” coach Hopkins said. “We pride ourselves on defense. Our three captains - Audrey Booton, Addy Keenan and Grace Luessi showed great leadership.”

Edina’s Ally Adair scored two goals in the victory over Chanhassen with Kachmarzinski and Avery Cooper also scoring. Hornet assists were by Maddie McWain, Elly Doscotch, Lila Smoley and Ruffien. Eleni McGuire was the winner in goal.

While Edina’s season continues at state, coach Hopkins is already thinking about next season.

“I am ready to begin preparing,” he said. “We will be in really good shape with our returning players.”

Irwin and Udupa, two of the Skippers’ leading scorers, are expected back along with Jones, who was outstanding in goal throughout her sophomore season.

“The biggest takeaway from this year was another good performance,” coach Hopkins said. “At the same time, we know we need to get better. Edina has won the section championship the last four years.”