News Summary

As the soccer season reaches its climax, local teams in Sauk Rapids-Rice are preparing for sectional tournaments. Both the boys’ and girls’ teams show promise, with Sauk Rapids-Rice boys advancing after a successful play-in game. Meanwhile, St. Cloud Cathedral’s boys and girls teams have secured top seeds in the upcoming state tournament. Challenges loom for some local teams as they seek their first wins. As the playoffs unfold, excitement builds in the community around these thrilling matchups. Fans are eager to support their favorite teams as they strive for a spot in the state tournament.

The Exciting Soccer Scene in Sauk Rapids-Rice and Beyond

As autumn leaves start to fall, the excitement in Sauk Rapids-Rice kicks into high gear! Local soccer teams are gearing up for the sectional tournaments, setting the stage for some thrilling action on the field. The countdown to the playoffs is on, and fans are buzzing with anticipation!

Sauk Rapids-Rice Boys Make Their Mark

First up, the Sauk Rapids-Rice boys soccer team has made headlines following their recent success in a section play-in game against Detroit Lakes. This victory has propelled them into the next round of the competition, and what’s on the horizon? They’re set to face the towering challenge of the top-seeded ROCORI Spartans this Thursday in the Section 8-2A round-of-eight. The team, holding the eighth seed, is ready to give it their all against the best of the best!

St. Cloud Cathedral Excels in Pre-Tournament Rankings

Switching gears to St. Cloud Cathedral, it’s been a stellar season for both their boys and girls teams. Both squads have snagged the impressive number one seeds for the upcoming 2024 state tournament, and it’s well deserved! In the final rankings released by the Minnesota State High School Soccer Coaches Association, both Cathedral teams were ranked at No. 5 in Class 1A.

The Cathedral boys are beaming with confidence as they’ve outscored their opponents an astonishing 25-4 in the Section 8-1A bracket! Their upcoming match against the winner of Melrose and St. John’s Prep has everyone at the edge of their seats. St. John’s Prep, despite a rocky start to the season, is revving up with three wins recently under their belt. Could they be the underdog that surprises everyone?

Challenges for Other Local Teams

As the playoffs approach, not every team is having an easy time. The inaugural Albany boys soccer team is still searching for their first win, holding a record of 0-7 after a tough loss to central Minnesota Christian. Meanwhile, the Becker boys have also yet to find a second win this season against their section rivals.

In a twist of fate, St. Cloud Tech has faced its challenges as well, having self-reported an ineligible player which led to the forfeiture of eight games. This turn of events opened the door for Sartell to claim the Central Lakes Conference title, despite their recent losses. They’re gearing up to host St. Cloud Apollo this Wednesday. It’s been a 10-year drought for Sartell in terms of reaching the state tournament, but they are ready to turn the tides!

Check Out the Girls’ Matches!

The excitement continues with the Cathedral girls team also looking to make a splash! They’re set to face off against the struggling Melrose Dutchmen, who are still on the quest for their first win of the season at 0-14. Having beaten the Dutchmen convincingly before with scores of 11-0, the Cathedral girls are looking to keep that momentum going!

The Crush Take on the Competition

Don’t forget about the local newcomers, The Crush, formed from the merger of St. Cloud Tech and Apollo. In their first year, they’ve already secured a spot in the tournament after a stunning victory against Fergus Falls with a score of 10-0. They’re hungry for more as they aim for a state tournament berth!

It’s shaping up to be an exhilarating time for local soccer as teams gear up for sectional tournaments. Will our local heroes rise to the occasion and secure their spots in the state tournament? Only time will tell! So, grab your jerseys and cheer on your favorite teams as they chase glory on the soccer field!

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