Delano, in just its third season as a varsity program, won its first MBSLA championship. Photo by Helen Nelson
Delano's Chase Willette looks for an opening past a St. Louis Park defender in the MBSLA championship game. Photo by Helen Nelson
Delano coach Dan Willette guided the Rage to the MBSLA championship in just their third season as a varsity program. Photo by Helen Nelson
A close game through the first quarter ended in a rout, as Delano defeated St. Louis Park 11-4 in the MBSLA championship on Saturday, June 9, at Orono High School.
The Rage (16-1) scored first with 4:29 left in the first period on a goal by midfielder Jack Nelson. Orioles midfielder Matt Harkema would answer just 19 seconds later on a pass from teammate Carlos Siguenza.
1. Luke Anderson, Delano
With the Rage holding a 4-3 lead in the second quarter, Anderson, a senior midfielder, scored three unanswered goals. Anderson, who scored 12 goals in 11 regular season games, repeatedly found seams to unleash his wicked shot from long range, and his outburst (he scored one of his goals in the second quarter and two more in the third) put the rage in control.
2. Jack Nelson, Delano
A sophomore midfielder, Nelson scored three goals and delivered a massive hit on St. Louis Park midfielder Sean Berens early in the second half. Nelson drew a penalty after throwing his shoulder into Berens, but the play near both benches gave Delano a spark, and the Rage soon after took control of what had been a tight game.
3. Will Harkema, St. Louis Park
The junior goaltender was a rock in the early going, and his stellar play singlehandedly kept Delano from quickly turning the game into a blowout. Harkema made 10 saves in the first half and finished with 15.
-- Loren Nelson, MN Lax Hub editor
2012 -- Delano
2011 -- MontiQuois
2010 -- St. Louis Park
2009 -- Orono
2008 -- St. Louis Park
2007 -- White Bear Lake
2006 -- Blake
2005 -- Blake
2004 -- Eden Prairie
2003 -- Bloomington Jefferson
2002 -- Roseville
2001 -- Roseville
2000 -- Bloomington Jefferson
1999 -- Robbinsdale Cooper
1998 -- Hopkins
1997 -- Hopkins
St. Louis Park | MBSLA Playoffs
Delano | MBSLA Playoffs