On a perfect night for any sporting event in late summer, the Chaska Boys Soccer team took on a traditionally formidable Prior Lake team on Aug. 27 in the first athletic event of the 2026–2027 school year. The Hawks’ starting lineup included six seniors, along with a solid, talented contingent of underclassmen who saw a good deal of playing time.
With this being the first game of the year, both teams came out with intensity. Both teams also incurred the referee’s whistle for early-season oversights and infractions. Both teams had their fair share of “mental mistakes” in the early going with missed passes and headers.
Prior Lake put on the early pressure and seemed to keep the ball in the Chaska end of the field for a good portion of the first half. Chaska caught an early break when a Prior Lake shot caught the goal crossbar and bounced up and over rather than in. The Hawks’ defensive corps played both wings and the center of the field consistently, keeping Prior Lake opportunities to a minimum.
Junior Will Bonifas, senior co-captain Logan Hunzinger and sophomore Isaac Olson were among the defenders getting a number of touches and making smart clearing passes for the Hawks. Senior co-captain Taylor Meserth played in goal for Chaska, adjusting as needed to support his team, keeping Prior Lake out of the net with timely saves and smart positioning. His constant and clear communication with the team as a whole kept them aware of Prior Lakes’ tendencies.
While Prior Lake seemed to keep play on the Chaska end for about the first 25 minutes of the first half, Chaska made the final 15 minutes an even back-and-forth battle across the field. The score was 0–0 at halftime.
The second half once again saw Prior Lake push hard and keep things in the Chaska end for the opening minutes. Their pressure paid off when they were awarded a corner kick. The inbound kick was headed into the goal at 30:05 (high school games start at 40:00 and count down), giving Prior Lake a 1–0 lead.
Play stepped up a notch on both sides shortly after that. Prior Lake kept pushing for another score, while Chaska sought to defend and create opportunities to tie. Both teams incurred the referee’s whistle as play intensified.
With 10:16 remaining, Chaska midfielder, junior Cesar Corrales took a ball and put it past the Prior Lake goalie to tie the score at 1–1. Both teams refocused at that point to get the go-ahead goal, but regulation time ran out and the game ended in a 1–1 draw.
Chaska plays its home games at Chaska Middle School West. Its home pitch is a grass field. Assistant coaches Eric Admas and Kyrl Henderson pointed out that a grass field is our secret weapon. The ball rolls a bit slower, and because the field has dips and rolls, the ball can take ‘unique’ bounces. We, of course, can’t predict what may happen, but it trips up some other teams.
“I got a great pass from my teammate, and I just teed it up and looked for a corner that seemed unguarded,” said Corrales. “It’s a great way to start the season, and I’m glad I could help the team.”
Boys head coach Michael O’Reilly was happy with the outcome of the match.
“Prior Lake always plays tough. We would have liked the win, but the team showed how committed they are with their effort tonight. We’re on the younger side, but we were able to give a number of folks some playing time. About half of our lineup had never played varsity before. Early on in the season, it’s about giving the players experience playing at the varsity level. Great showing tonight, and we’re on solid footing,” he said.
Chaska has a 14-game season for 2026, with seven home games. Their next home game has the Hawks hosting Shakopee on Sept. 3 at 7 p.m.
Chaska Athletic has transitioned their online calendar and all teams games can be found here for the 2026-2027 season.
