No. 5 Eagan at St. Thomas Academy
7 p.m., Tuesday, April 15


Every year Eagan somehow manages to overcome what should be crippling losses to graduation by melding its remaining veterans with a new crop of future stars. The script is the same this year, although it seems highly unlikely the Wildcats can find a player -- or two or three -- to match the incredible 62 goals scored by graduated attackman Michael Kukulski. No. 5-ranked Eagan's strength will be at midfield, where savvy senior Max Elsenheimer (25 goals) leads an experienced group. St. Thomas Academy opened its season on Friday with a thrilling 9-8 loss to arch rival Holy Angels. The Cadets are loaded with big, strong defensemen, so loaded they moved 6-foot-3 Duke recruit J.R. Riley to long-stick midfield against the Stars. Senior attackman Will Dahl powered the offense with two goals and an assist.