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Eagan's Megan Plaschko is the Star Tribune girls' Metro Player of the Year

By DAVID LA VAQUE, Star Tribune, 10/25/18, 12:15PM CDT

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Bound for Minnesota next year, she has 14 shutouts this season, allowed just six goals and scored four of her own.

“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.


Past girls' Metro Players of the Year

2017: Meredith Haakenson, Maple Grove

2016: Morgan Turner, Wayzata

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

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