Shooting stars lead fast, smart Mahtomedi girls' soccer

Girls' soccer goalkeepers and defenders around the state of Minnesota, take note of longtime Mahtomedi head coach Dave Wald's early-season observation:

"It is by far the best shooting team we have had for years," Wald said.

The Zephyrs have the scores to back it up. They stockpiled 16 goals in their first three games of the season, including a strong 6-1 effort over conference rival South St. Paul on Tuesday night.

Led by two stars — Megan Koenig and Chelsey Henry — this year's Zephyrs can attack in a variety of ways. If teams try to shut down Koenig or Henry, any other player on the field has the ability to score.

But first they have to shut down Koenig and Henry.

That's not easy to do.

Koenig, a senior midfielder, has given an oral commitment to play soccer at the University of Minnesota.

When Koenig gains possession of the ball, good things usually follow. Teammates know they should be ready, no matter where they are on the field. Koenig is pinpoint with her passes.

"Whether she is passing 5 yards or 50, it is usually at the right spot and at the right pace," Wald said.

Junior forward Chelsey Henry is a dynamic offensive threat "who is following in her sister's footsteps," Wald said. That would be older sister Brittany Henry, who was part of three state championship teams at Mahtomedi before playing four seasons at Minnesota State Mankato. She was the 2008 Ms. Soccer award winner.

"Chelsey has a great shot and knows how to score in a variety of ways," Wald said. "She is quick and can beat a defender off the dribble. She has great moves and is unselfish with the ball."

Overall, the team is composed of girls who are fundamentally sound and physically fit to try and repeat their Suburban Conference championship. South St. Paul head coach Kathleen Babich got an early-season look at the defending champs and was impressed.

The Zephyrs had a dominating run in the 2000s, capturing three Class 1A state titles. They eventually moved up to Class 2A two years ago due to enrollment classification rules. They have yet to qualify for the big-school tournament, but this group may be able to change that.