The Prior Lake girls’ soccer team faced one of its most difficult stretches of the season last week, taking on a pair of South Suburban Conference teams along with a highly ranked section opponent.
To start the week, the girls made an impact off the field. All four of the Lakers girls’ soccer teams participated in a volunteer event with the high school’s ROCK (Reaching Our Community’s Kids) program on Monday providing and packing snack bags for children in need throughout the community.
Back on the field, the Lakers varsity team opened their week of games on Tuesday, Sept. 16, with a convincing 2–0 road win over Lakeville South. Ali Torres provided the breakthrough goal in the first half, finishing off a pass from Makenna Lyons. Lauren Schindler later iced the game by calmly converting a penalty kick. Torres earned Player of the Game honors for her offensive spark and relentless play.
Two days later, Prior Lake hosted fifth-ranked Eagan in a defensive battle. The Lakers controlled long stretches of the match, but the difference came on a corner kick that the Wildcats converted for the game’s only goal, going home with the 1-0 win. Defender Kendall Young was named Player of the Game for her steady performance on the back line.
The week ended in dramatic fashion on Sept. 20 against section opponent and fourth-ranked Minnetonka. After falling behind early on a controversial goal, Bre Phillips and Lilly Oelrich each scored their first goals of the season, with Ellie Ohlmann assisting on both to put the Lakers up 2–1. Prior Lake held a 2–1 advantage deep into the second half, but two late calls went against them in the Lakers goal box. Minnetonka converted both PKs to escape with a 3–2 victory. Oelrich’s strong play on both ends of the field earned her Player of the Game honors.
The Lakers now sit at 7–5–1 overall and are ranked No. 14 in the latest coaches’ state poll. This week brings a lighter slate, but it’s a big matchup: on Tuesday, Sept. 23, Prior Lake hosted cross-town rival Shakopee, which entered the game with a 9–2–1 record and a No. 15 state ranking.
