On Tuesday, August 28, the Benilde-St. Margaret’s Red Knights took on the Eden Prairie Eagles. The Red Knights were shutout 3-0 by the Eagles’ aggressive play and stingy defense.

The Red Knight’s graduated many key players from their 2011 Class A State Championship team which defeated the Prairie Seeds Academy Lycans 3-1 in the title game last season. The Eden Prairie Eagles, members of the Lake Conference, won the 2011 Class AA title by beating Eastview 3-1 and are favorites to repeat again this year.

This was the Red Knight’s biggest non-conference game of the year. “We enjoy playing teams like them early in the season because it helps us develop as a team for the season” said varsity head coach Mr. Dave Platt.

The Eagles dominated the first half with goals from Colin LaVone and Samir Hashi. The Red Knights adjusted and came out more aggressive in the second half by pressuring more on defense and making quicker passes. BSM had some quality chances, but an Eagle counter attack led to a goal from Abdul Omar, making the score 3-0. The Red Knights got two more chances with shots from sophomore forward Mark Ahern and senior captain Jake Sherman, but both were stopped by the Eagles’ goalie, junior Sam Mars.

The Red Knights are a young squad which includes six sophomores and six juniors, many entering their first year of varsity level this season. They will start conference play on Tuesday, September 4 at home against St. Louis Park.