Owatonna Soccer Launches Playoffs From Home
The Owatonna High School boys and girls soccer clubs will open their Section 1AA playoff run at home Thursday, October 15. Both teams are the number-2 seed in the tournament and both host the seventh-seeded Rochester John Marshall Rockets. The boys match will lead off the evening at 5 pm with the girls contest to follow at 7 pm. Both matches can be heard on AM 1390 KRFO and the free KRFO app.
Fan attendance is limited to soccer families. In a news release from the OHS Athletic Office, it is stated, "Unfortunately, there will be no general admission tickets or no walk-ups allowed."
The OHS boys (6-3-1) are 4-0-1 over the final five games of the season, including a 2-0 win over JM on September 22. On their home pitch, the Huskies are 5-0-1 with five shutouts. Mayo played OHS to a 3-3 tie on October 6.
Huskies coach Bob Waypa said on Saturday's AM 1390 KRFO Coaches Show, "It was a good game to have before sections. I think it woke both are teams up..It was a heated game back-and-forth. The type of game you definitely want before sections. Now our team is refocused and re-energized."
John Marshall (2-8-2) ended the season with a 2-0 victory over Albert Lea, but have been shutout six times this season and have only scored eight total goals.
Owatonna's girls haven't lost a match since September 10 at Mankato East. Since then, the Huskies are 6-0-1 and ended the season at 7-2-1. OHS edged JM in Rochester 2-1.
Coach Nate Gendron said on the Coaches Show, "The last time we played them (JM), it was a 2-1 game...Luckily Ezra Oien put away both goals for us in that match. So we've been training a little bit and watching film on what they have done...(Thursday) the girls had a great practice day, high tempo. And they know what postseason play is all about."
John Marshall (4-6-1) has won three of their last four games, all by shutout. The Rockets have held ten of their opponents to two goals or less.
Section 1AA quarterfinals are Thursday, October 15. Semifinals are Tuesday, October 20. Finals are October 22 and will mark the end of the season. There is no state tournament this year.
Section 1AA boys, first round
8-Farmington at 1-Northfield
5-New Prague at 4-Mayo
6-Lakeville South at 3-Century
7-JM at 2-Owatonna
Section 1AA girls, first round
8-Lakeville South at 1-Century
5-Farmington at 4-Mayo
6-New Prague at 3-Northfield
7-JM at 2-Owatonna
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