Chaska boys soccer (0-2-4) took on Bloomington Jefferson (2-6-2) in the opening game of a home-field doubleheader on Sept. 24. The girls team would played the second game of the doubleheader.
The Hawks came out aggressively, pushing into the Jaguars’ offensive zone early and consistently. Even when Bloomington made it into Chaska’s end of the field, the Hawks defense was in sync, keeping Jaguars shots to a minimum and limiting them to attempts that goalie, senior Taylor Meserth, could see and handle. Chaska also made effective use of supporting passes throughout the game, with forwards making quick backward passes to midfielders or midfielders passing back to defenders to better position the ball for an effective push up field. This tactic allowed for smooth transitions and consistent offensive pressure.
That paid off with 13:22 remaining in the first half when senior Owen Burger got a shot past the Bloomington goalie to give Chaska a 1-0 lead.
At halftime, the coaches encouraged the team to be patient and relax and “play their game” in the second half. Jefferson pushed hard for possession and appeared to favor a more physical style of play. Chaska played on and made sure fresh legs were available at all positions to finish the game. In the closing minutes, the girls team, who was about to play next, enthusiastically cheered the boys on as they held on for what would be their first victory of the year.
Coach Michael O’Reilly highlighted the team’s effort not only in the Jefferson game but throughout the season. “We’ve had some great games, yet they did not end up with wins. Ties are OK (within reason), but wins are better. The guys have really worked on their game and as a team. I am proud of their effort and their hard work tonight—they outworked their opponent.”
Team co-captains, seniors Taylor Meserth and Logan Hunzinger, enjoyed getting the win and pointed out how the team “can keep pushing going forward.”
“The best part of this team is we support each other. We know we have the other guys’ back. As a goalie, that means I get support as well as help the guys. It works both ways.,” Meserth said.
Sporting a bloody nose after taking an elbow late in the game, Hunzinger shared: “We didn’t give up tonight. Communication was great. We knew what we had to do and kept our focus on our play even when things got a bit chippy. We stayed cool.”
The captains’ optimistic encouragements to keep the momentum going for the team paid off when they traveled to Orono on Sept. 24 and defeated the Spartans 1-0 on a goal by junior Liam Orielly at the 27:00 mark of the first half to give the Hawks their second win in two days and upping their season record to 2-2-4 heading into the final weeks of the season.
The Hawks returned home Sept. 26 for a game against Hastings. After the Hastings game, the Hawks have five remaining regular-season games, including the much-anticipated home game against Chanhassen on Oct. 1.
