Five players who stood out at the girls soccer state tournament

Five players who stood out at the girls soccer state tournament Breck’s Akilah Anderson and Luna Popescu, St. Croix Prep’s Charlotte Swoch, Eagan’s Tess Triplett and Blake’s Emily Winkler drew notice. Comment Gift Share By Olivia Hicks The Minnesota Star Tribune November 7, 2026 at 10:00 PM Akilah Anderson Midfielder, Breck The senior was instrumental in the Mustangs’ 3-1 win over Watertown-Mayer/Mayer Lutheran in the semifinals. She scored two goals, both perfectly placed shots from range, and took the shot that led to the corner kick goal. She also had the eventual game-winning goal in the quarterfinal victory over La Crescent-Hokah. Luna Popescu Goalkeeper, Breck The senior made at least five close-range saves in the second half to keep Breck in front of Watertown-Mayer/Mayer Lutheran in the semifinal. She also corralled two shots on goal from long range in the 3-1 victory. Her presence alone forced the Royals to alter some of their shots. Charlotte Schwoch Goalkeeper, St. Croix Prep The sophomore posted a clean sheet against top-seeded Esko in the semifinal. She stopped two breakaway opportunities, including one in the waning minutes, of the 1-0 win over Esko. She also posted a five-save clean sheet in a 1-0 win over St. Cloud Cathedral in the quarterfinals. Tess Triplett Forward, Eagan It’s rare for a striker to play the whole field. But senior forward Tess Triplett created scoring opportunities, including the only goal in a Class 3A state championship game against Lakeville North, and pressed back to defend the Eagan goal line. Her efforts, including recording a hat trick in the quarterfinal, were key in ending the Wildcats’ nine-year title dry spell. ADVERTISEMENT advertisement Emily Winkler Forward, Blake The Bears clinched the Class 2A title thanks, in large part, to Winkler. The junior scored two goals in a row in the first 10 minutes of the championship game, setting the pace early on. She may not have been a top scorer this season, but her performance in the state final made her one to watch. Related Coverage Meet the Class 3A, 2A and 1A girls soccer state champions Girls Soccer Meet the Class 3A, 2A and 1A boys soccer state champions Boys Soccer Share Comment About the Author Olivia Hicks Strib Varsity Reporter Olivia Hicks is a reporter for the Minnesota Star Tribune. See More advertisement More From Girls Soccer Meet the Class 3A, 2A and 1A girls soccer state champions Girls Soccer Meet the Class 3A, 2A and 1A boys soccer state champions Boys Soccer advertisement advertisement