Maple Grove 2 – TG 0
Since TG joined the Northwest Suburban Conference, Maple Grove Senior High’s stadium was the site of many Totino-Grace boys and girls memorable soccer matches–both regular season conference tilts as well as section playoff games. As the Eagles listened to the announcer introduce the starting lineup for 4th-ranked AAA Maple Grove, the Crimson boasted an entire 12th-grade starting lineup and had seniors come off the bench throughout the match. It was Crimson veterans vs. an Eagles family of 9th through 12th-grade players ready to compete. The Eagles were determined to illustrate progress in the attack and on defense. Sporting their new lime green for (cancer awareness) training jerseys during warmups, the team was ready for 80+ minutes of demanding play. Totino-Grace got a taste of Maple Grove’s speed and direct services as they sent balls at and over the Eagles’ back line. Junior goalkeeper Everett Schutta and the backline of senior captain Fran Serna, sophomore Luke Brandt, junior captain Ty Michaelson, and senior defender Keenan Friden, worked consistently to intercept, deal with, and often collect various services that entered the Eagles 18-yard box. Totino-Grace attacking chances were sparse but the combination play improved on the night as the Eagles welcomed back senior attacker Tenisee Doe after missing four matches due to injury. The Eagles defense worked hard together and when they won the ball, they tried to move it quicker up the field. On a couple of occasions, the Eagles managed to create moments that missed the clinical pass or the final shot due to the Crimson’s consistent and balanced defending. The Eagles were frustrating their opponents and entered halftime 0-0. Twenty minutes into the second half it was still 0-0 but Maple Grove increased their attacking pressure. In the 61st minute a TG foul lead to a free kick that Maple Grove served into the box and finished. With under 12 minutes remaining, the Eagles inability to clear the ball gave the Crimson the opportunity to double the lead. The Eagles couldn’t find the space to mount a comeback. Maple Grove five corner kicks and nine shots on goal. The Eagles had three corner kicks and two shots on the night. The evidence on the field was clear: progress is being made but soccer is a game of moments and two moments made the difference tonight.