St. Paul Como Park at Fridley
5 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 1

A promising Fridley squad will host perennial power St. Paul Como Park in a nonconference match that should prepare both teams for the regular and postseason.

Como Park has reached the state tournament four years in a row — highlighted by a Class 1A title in 2013 — and looks to make another run with 10 returning players. The Cougars (1-0) took eventual champion Orono to overtime in the state quarterfinals a year ago but fell 2-1.

Robin Htoo and Bwe Doh Htoo return as the leading scorers on a team with an upperclassmen-heavy roster. Bwe Doh Htoo netted a goal in Como Park's 2-0 win over St. Croix Prep last week.

Fridley graduated just three seniors last season and brings back a wealth of talent from all classes. Junior Sharmake Nur returns as the Tigers’ ace striker, while senior Esteban Bandillo will be a key player in the midfield.