EP boys soccer advances with another thrilling finish

The Eden Prairie boys soccer team will advance to the Section 2AAA semifinals after another dramatic finish for the second week in a row.

After their last-second upset of top-ranked Wayzata to close out the regular season last week, the Eagles’ Tuesday evening match with Chanhassen went into overtime after a 1-1 tie at the end of regulation.

High winds at Aerie Stadium in Eden Prairie had a major impact on both teams throughout the game. Eden Prairie had the advantage with the wind at their backs in the first overtime period that saw both teams with scoring chances. As time ticked away, it appeared a second overtime would be necessary. But with just five seconds remaining in the first overtime, Eagles junior midfielder Nick Thompson headed a ball toward the Chanhassen net. It reached senior forward Sebastian Bocanegra-Lima, who headed it again over the top of Chanhassen goalkeeper Jacob Humbert for the game-winning goal.

The contest was the Eagles’ sixth match of the season that went into overtime. With the 2-1 win, Eden Prairie advances to the next round of the section playoffs, where they will face Minnetonka on Thursday.

Eagles girls soccer season ends with loss to Edina 

The Eden Prairie girls soccer team ended their season Tuesday night with a 4-1 loss to Edina at Kuhlman Stadium. 

Edina stormed out to a 2-0 lead in the first half, but the Eagles drew within one when junior defender Elisabeth Rupp converted on a penalty kick past Edina goalkeeper Bayliss Flynn. But Edina’s all-state midfielder Izzy Engle scored three goals for the Hornets, who dominated much of the game.

It was an emotional evening for the Eagles, who said goodbye to six seniors on the squad. Eden Prairie finished the season with a 4-10-3 record. Next year looks promising behind all-state goalkeeper Lily Mattison who leads a young team that will have 16 varsity players returning.