Prior Lake soccer aims for big things

Mike Shebuski brings with him high expectations. His players must reciprocate.

The Prior Lake boys' soccer team, under Shebuski's direction, is in the midst of its second consecutive outstanding season. The Lakers ranked as high as No. 10 at one point this season in the Class 2A poll by the coaches association.

"Our expectations are high every year, and this year is no different," Shebuski said. "We want to be in the mix for the top spots in both the conference, and the section."

The Lakers (7-5-2) sit atop the South Suburban Conference standings, with only one loss in league play. They play host to Eastview in their final regular season matchup Thursday, with the winner in all likelihood being crowned the conference champion.

Four of the five Lakers' setbacks have been to teams in their section. They have fallen to top-ranked Minnetonka 2-0, Bloomington Jefferson 2-1, Chanhassen 1-0 and Shakopee 1-0. They have tied Edina and No. 5 Wayzata by identical 1-1 scores.

"I think our section will be extremely tough this year," Shebuski said.

The Lakers are coming off a 12-5-1 season in 2013. They lost to Edina 3-1 in the Section 2 finals.

Gaffney said he believes his squad's setback to Minnetonka was a good learning experience.

"It was different than all the other games we've played," Gaffney said. "It was very fast paced, and intense.

"I thought we played well. The difference was they capitalized on their opportunities, and we didn't capitalize on our opportunities."

The Lakers have plenty of veteran leadership. They have nine seniors on the roster, four of whom were starters a year ago.

"We have some experience scattered throughout the lineup, which really helps," Shebuski said.

"We have to put the ball in the back of the net," Gaffney said. "When we have opportunities, we have to finish them."

They are plenty stingy defensively, led by senior captain Kyle Fenske. The Lakers haven't allowed more than two goals in any game, and have only done that three times.

"Our defense and midfield is pretty solid," Lakers senior forward Christian Metzger said. "Everything starts from the back forward with our team."

Playing in the South Suburban, along with their rigorous nonconference slate, should benefit the Lakers. They moved from the Missota Conference to the South Suburban in 2010.

"Changing conferences totally helped us become a better team," Gaffney said. "They like to play fast, and possess the ball in the South Suburban."

"His competitiveness motivates us," Gaffney said. "He provides a spark when we need it.

"We push ourselves to be like him. There isn't one practice or game when he doesn't want us to be at our best."

Ron Haggstrom • 612-673-4498