“She’s vocal and has a swagger that many young women don’t have.” -- Eden Prairie coach Jessica Mueller on Megan Plaschko. Photo: MARK VANCLEAVE • mark.vancleave@startribune.com
Discussion about Eagan goalkeeper Megan Plaschko’s monster season doesn’t always start with her 14 shutouts.
Sure, her ability to deliver more clean sheets than a linen truck is a big reason why the Wildcats (16-0-3) are favored to repeat as Class 2A state champions. But that’s generally expected of top goalkeepers. What’s unexpected is when one launches a free kick into the upper reaches of the opposing goal from 40 yards out — something Plaschko did against Eden Prairie.
“I literally stood up and clapped,” Eagles coach Jessica Mueller said.
Plaschko, who has conceded six goals but scored four of her own, acknowledged: “That was a really cool goal. I’ll probably never score one like that again.”
A goalkeeper who stymies the opposition, scores goals and provides vocal leadership to teammates, Plaschko is the Star Tribune Metro Player of the Year.
(See who else is on this year's All-Metro first and second teams.)
“She is an anomaly in girls’ soccer,” Mueller said of Plaschko, who has committed to play for the Gophers.
While it’s fun for Plaschko to score, she knows helping Eagan win its fourth state title in five seasons begins with defending. And that is something the Wildcats do well and do together.
“I owe so much to my teammates,” said Plaschko, also selected Ms. Soccer. “They’ve cleared rebounds and saved me many times.”
When teams do break down the Wildcats' defense, Plaschko pounces. She isn’t afraid to sprint off her line to stop initial shots or deny second chances.
“She’s vocal and has a swagger that many young women don’t have,” Mueller said.
The courage to speak up came from watching Jordan Clark, a goalkeeper on Eagan’s 2014 state title team, and through encouragement from head coach Bulut Ozturk.
“You’re the boss back there,” said Plaschko, in her third season as a team captain.
2017: Meredith Haakenson, Maple Grove
2015: Hannah Cade, Lakeville North
2014: April Bockin, Eden Prairie
2013: Elizabeth Endy, Minnetonka
2012: Jenna Roering, Centennial
2011: Simone Kolander, Lakeville North
2010: Taylor Uhl, Eden Prairie
2009: Kassie Kallman, Woodbury
2008: Allie Phillips, Mounds View
2007: Krista Lundgren, Lakeville South
2006: Julie Rezac, Eden Prairie
2005: Dana Tripp, White Bear Lake
2004: Elena Fruci, Mahtomedi
2003: Kelsey Hans, Lakeville
2002: Katherine Krambeer, Osseo
2001: Caroline Smith, Edina
2000: Rachel Gilfillan, Woodbury
1999: Amanda McMahon, Stillwater
1998: Megan Almonzo, Armstrong
1997: Jena Kluegel, Mahtomedi
1996: Jena Kluegel, Mahtomedi
1995: Sarah Blaska, Anoka
1994: Mara Miller, Stillwater
1993: Jennifer McElmury, White Bear Lake
1992: Jennifer Walek, North St. Paul
1991: Gretchen Brandt, Mounds View
1990: Shannan Scibilia, Park of Cottage Grove
1989: Janet Newinski, Burnsville
1988: Lisa Mickelson, North St. Paul
1987: Nicole Johnson, Rosemount;
Kari Maijala, Bloomington Jefferson