Looking back, perhaps losing a regular season soccer game would have been a good thing for the Edina boys and Champlin Park girls.
The Hornets (19-0) and Rebels (17-0-1) enter this week's Class 2A state tournament as the No. 1 seeds. Each went through the regular season without one of those losses that coaches often welcome to relieve pressure and regain focus.
"I've definitely thought about that," said Keith Pavelka, first-year Champlin Park coach. "But this team took the challenge of building every game to heart."
The Rebels, state tournament newcomers, play Stillwater at 5:30 Tuesday at North St. Paul High School. Edina takes the field 24 hours later against Maple Grove at St. Cloud State.
Victory sends each team to the semifinals at U.S. Bank Stadium. No consolation bracket means a loss would bring their brilliant seasons to unceremonious endings.
Edina coach Dave Jenson said, "This team had a maturity that helped them stay grounded. They respect the game and there hasn't been a game they haven't shown up for."
Depth of skill means an off night by any one player won't derail either team. For Champlin Park, players such a Megan Carlson, Mallie Mathis, Julia Sullivan and Paige Kalal provides "multiple points from where we can attack," Pavelka said.
They are backed by holding midfielders Allison Hartig and Grace Marshalek. Pavelka called Marshalek "our MVP. She works tirelessly all game. And she starts our attack. If this were hockey, she'd have 15-20 second assists."
