Over the course of 16 games, the boys’ soccer team has had an exceptional season, achieving a record of 13-2-1. At number two in the state, the team has the Benilde-St. Margaret’s student body excited for what could be an extraordinary year for the Red Knights.
The boys kicked – off their season in late August by defeating Marshall School 8-1. Routs like that have become a theme for the Red Knights this year as they have scored an average of almost five goals per game. “Our team is really about scoring this year. We are very excited to have this firepower and the urge to get goals,” said senior captain Jake Horton.
The team hopes the high-powered scoring will continue into their section playoffs which feature a crop of talented teams. “We have a tough section. Orono, Holy Family, and Waconia are all strong teams,” said varsity head coach Mr. Dave Platt.
With 17 seniors, the team hopes to find redemption in their section after a heart-breaking loss in the section championship game last year. “We’ve lost to Orono the last two years, but [the loss] encouraged us to train and work harder this off-season,” said Horton.
The Red Knights hope their strong work ethic pays off as they feel they have the right team to make a push for the state title. “We have to make it out of a tough section, but it is definitely possible to make it to state this year. [We have a] really good group of guys that have played together for a long time and there is a lot of senior leadership on the team,” said senior defender Paul Graupner.
However, the Red Knights feel they have a few adjustments to make in order to be successful at sections. “We need to work on finishing against quality teams. We weren’t able to against Spring Lake Park [in the regular season] so it’s something we need to work on,” said Mr. Platt.
The Red Knights are excited by the possibility of playing against currently top ranked and defending champion Prairie Seeds Academy in the state tournament. “I want a chance at them. They won state last year, and they are a very good team that has a lot of talented players,” said Graupner.
Although it has been a long season, the goal has remained the same: win State. If that were to happen, it would be BSM boys’ soccer’s fifth state title in 14 years.
