Eden Prairie senior captain and goalkeeper Nathan Louwagie clears the ball during Saturday’s match. Photo by Rick Olson

The Eden Prairie High School boys soccer team defeated Shakopee 1-0 on Saturday afternoon at Aerie Stadium, marking their home opener and improving their record to 2-0-0.

Senior captain and striker Nam Tran scored the game’s only goal with 4:25 remaining in the first half.

Eden Prairie’s defense, anchored by senior captain Nathan Louwagie, shut down Shakopee’s attack, earning Louwagie back-to-back shutouts. The Eagles also defeated St. Louis Park 3-0 in their season opener on Thursday night.

Next up: Eden Prairie travels to Buffalo (2-0-0) for a game against the Bison at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 27.

Eagles junior captain Leah Gschwendtner’s 25-yard strike sails past the outstretched hand of the Shakopee goalkeeper, securing the game-winning goal with 11:16 left in regulation. Photo by Rick Olson

The Eden Prairie High School girls soccer team also enjoyed a successful home opener, defeating Shakopee 3-2 on Saturday afternoon at Aerie Stadium to improve to 2-0-0.

Jorge Oconitrillo, the new head coach of the Eden Prairie girls’ soccer team, saw the Eagles improve to 2-0-0 with a 3-2 on Saturday victory over Shakopee. Photo by Rick Olson

New head coach Jorge Oconitrillo noted after the game that the match against Shakopee was impacted by the sun, heat, and humidity. The first half was sunny and scoreless, but after clouds rolled in at halftime, five goals were scored in the second half.

The Sabers opened the scoring early in the second half, but Eagles senior defender Gabriella Lainhart quickly responded to tie it 1-1. Senior forward Emily Langfield gave Eden Prairie a 2-1 lead with 25:11 remaining, but Shakopee tied it 2-2 just over three minutes later.

Junior captain and defender Leah Gschwendtner scored the game-winning goal with 11:16 remaining, launching a booming shot from 25 yards out that beat the Sabers goalkeeper.

Eden Prairie also won its first game of the season on Thursday night, defeating Blaine in an away game 1-0.

Next up: Eden Prairie travels to Buffalo (2-0-0) for a game against the Bison at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 27.


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