In most cases, soccer coaches would cringe merely at the thought of having to put in the backup goalkeeper for the last 10 minutes of the game against a formidable conference rival.
Faced with that scenario last week, Eastview boys' soccer coach Scott Gustafson didn't even flinch.
When junior Samuel Ruelas was called for a red card against Bloomington Jefferson, in trotted sophomore Treston Kederer. He allowed the ensuing penalty kick, but shut out the Jaguars the rest of the way, including a trio of point-blank shots, to preserve the victory.
Two nights later, Kederer started for the Lightning and shut out Eagan. He made 14 saves in that game, seven from 6 yards in or closer and a highlight-reel breakaway stop with 2 seconds remaining in the first half.
It has helped Eastview to the No. 1 ranking in Class 2A.
"I am not in a pickle with either of those guys," Gustafson said of his keepers. "They're a huge reason why we [started] 9-0 this year. Treston is better in the air, nipping out crosses; Sammy is better against teams that take shots from farther out. I feel equally confident with both of them. Playing in this conference, any mistake will show up on the scoreboard and our guys have been unflappable."
Sabers 'show up'Shakopee, the No. 4 team in Class 3A volleyball, defeated No. 3 Wayzata in straight sets last Tuesday night, taking down the Trojans on their home court 25-18, 25-10, 25-15.
Sabers coach Matt Busch commented before the season that he felt this would be a better year for the Sabers. Turns out he was right -- at least so far.
