Abby Otte and Paige Layman celebrate after scoring against Apple Valley. (Photo by Caty Mawing Photography)
The Prior Lake girls’ soccer team faced a busy schedule this past week, coming away with two wins and a tie to remain unbeaten on the season, ahead of a tough slate of games this week.
On Tuesday, Sept. 2, the Lakers opened the week against Mounds View in a tightly played game. Both defenses held firm through the first half with few scoring chances. Prior Lake pressed forward in the second half and generated multiple opportunities but couldn’t break through, settling for a 0–0 tie. Senior Bre Phillips was named “Player of the Game” for her steady play and leadership throughout the match.
Two nights later, on Thursday, Sept. 4, Prior Lake unleashed its attack in a dominant 9–0 victory over Apple Valley, played in steady rain. The scoring came from all over the roster. Ellie Ohlmann led the way with two goals and two assists, while Abby Otte celebrated the first two goals of her varsity career and added an assist. Teagan Jurek and Paige Layman also scored twice while Layman added an assist as well. Mila Macias scored once, while McKenna Lyons and Ali Torres contributed assists as the Lakers controlled the match from start to finish. Otte was recognized as “Player of the Game” for her breakout performance.
On Saturday, Sept. 6, the Lakers capped the week with a physical battle against rival Eden Prairie. Prior Lake controlled much of the play and eventually broke through in the second half. Off a corner kick from Lilly Oelrich, Layman rose above the defense and headed home the lone goal of the match to secure a 1–0 victory. Layman’s game winning goal earned her “Player of the Game” honors.
Now 6-0-1 on the season and ranked No. 3 in the state, the Lakers face a pivotal week ahead against three South Suburban conference opponents.
On Monday, they traveled to take on rival Lakeville North, at 7 p.m. for their second road test of the season.
On Wednesday, Sept. 10, Prior Lake returns home for a marquee matchup against fellow unbeaten Rosemount at 5:30 p.m. The Irish are ranked No. 2 in the state, just above the Lakers. Rosemount is led by one of the top players in Minnesota, junior forward Kendall Grate, who currently has the second most goals in the state, with 13. The match at Dan Patch Stadium is also Community Night, where all kids wearing a Prior Lake Soccer Club jersey receive free admission. The evening will feature special treats, games and autographs from the players, along with an opportunity to support the Lakers in a key South Suburban Conference showdown.
The week concludes on Saturday, Sept. 13, with a road test at Chanhassen, ranked No. 12, in an important matchup for both the section and conference. The Storm feature standout senior Bella Naples, a future Minnesota Gopher, who has powered their attack with nine goals already this season. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.