Maple Grove girls soccer aims to defend title as fall HS practices underway

Last fall, Maple Grove girls soccer claimed the program’s first-ever state championship. Through the events of the last few months, they were worried they might not have a chance to defend that title this fall.

While the MSHSL postponed the fall football and volleyball seasons into the spring, there was relief among the Crimson players when soccer was included along with tennis, swimming and cross-country as the sports permitted to play.

This week, the first tryouts and practice sessions are taking place statewide. For some of the Crimson players, this week’s sessions mark the first time they’ve been on a soccer field in months. Many club teams and tournaments had their summer schedules wiped out by the global health crisis.

Click the video box on this page to see interviews with the defending Class AA State Champions from Maple Grove as they took the field for their first workouts of the fall after a spring and summer filled with uncertainty

Last fall, the Crimson upset their way through the State Tournament, culminating in a 2-1 win over Centennial in the Class AA State Championship.

The MSHSL has not announced plans for – or confirmed if there will be – a State Tournament this fall.

The 11-game regular season for soccer teams begins on August 27th.