Prep soccer: It’s showdown time for state’s finalists

Wayzata and Anoka, the teams that will play for the boys' Class 2A title today, each entered this season with high expectations based on previous success. Wayzata (17-1-3) returned four starters and eight players total from the 2005 team that won the state championship.

"We felt we had a lot of experience and a chance to have some success," Trojans coach Michael Wager said. "This team has lost only three of the 50-something games it has played. It has been very consistent."

Undefeated Anoka (20-0-2) was a junior-dominated team a year ago, when the Tornadoes lost to Blaine in the section finals.

The Tornadoes are 35-2-4 in their past 41 games. Beating Wayzata for the title would complete an undefeated season. Coach Pete Hayes likes Anoka's chances.

"We need one more win, and I don't see why it can't happen," he said.

DEAN SPIROS

CLASS 2A GIRLS

The big reason Edina has a chance to win its first state championship in girls' soccer since 1986 is that the Hornets are adept at running coach Simon Whitehead's system.

"We move the ball up, we've been passing well and we've been supporting our forwards," Whitehead said. "Our midfielders and defenders have been very good all year."

How even are Lakeville South and Edina, today's championship participants? They did not play each other this season, but in games against common opponents, Lakeville South is 7-0 and Edina is 7-1.

JIM PAULSEN

CLASS 1A BOYS

Blake's boys' soccer team is 20-0 heading into today's Class 1A state championship against Duluth Marshall (21-2). For No. 21, the plan is to change nothing.

"We're poised, we're disciplined and we play with ball possession," Bears coach Charlie Seel said. "And it's going to take those three tenets to get a championship."

BRIAN STENSAAS

CLASS 1A GIRLS

When Totino-Grace and Blake meet at 12:30 today, it will be a tale of two programs. While No. 2-seeded Blake hasn't reached a state tournament since winning it all in 2000, No. 4-seeded Totino-Grace has played in seven of the past eight tournaments, missing out only in 2004. The Eagles were back-to-back champions in 2001 and 2002.

Anoka's Brian Haukos celebrated after a semifinal goal. Today comes the final vs. Wayzata.

JEFFREY THOMPSON

jthompson

@startribune.com