Upset of No. 1, shutout victory buoy Shakopee boys' soccer

A promising start for the Shakopee boys' soccer team could portend the program's first winning season since 2010.

The Sabers opened the season with a 2-1 upset victory over Class 2A, No. 1-ranked Minneapolis Southwest in Shakopee. They followed that up with a 4-0 victory at Waconia.

"I don't know where we will end up with wins and loses, but we should compete in every match and are striving to play quality soccer," Shakopee coach Jon Poppen said. "We have a great group of kids this year."

In its opener, Shakopee raced to a 2-0 lead in the first half on goals by senior forward Jamison Root and senior midfielder Derian Vergara.

Southwest broke up the Sabers' shutout bid with a goal early in the second half.

"They pressed us hard and tested our young back line,'' Poppen said. "We had stretches of possession in the second half with a few chances at the net, but Southwest had the same.

"It was a physical second half, but well fought by both sides. Our back line held up and passed the test in match number one."

Ozturk left the Lakeville North program, and was in line to become an assistant coach at Gustavus Adolphus. He had guided the Panthers to three consecutive Class 2A state tournament appearances.

The desire to remain a head coach quickly caught up with Ozturk. When a vacancy opened at Eagan, he decided to return to the high school scene.

Mark Obarski, who guided the Wildcats for 14 years, resigned to become the women's coach at Dakota County Technical College.

Lakeville North won more than 50 games the past three seasons under Ozturk. It was the runner-up to Minnetonka in the state tournament last year.

Eagan has opened its season with three consecutive victories, outscoring its opposition 12-2.