After a regular Minnesota Youth Rugby season where Eagan seemed to be in control, Edina emerged as state champs with a 22-10 defeat of Eagan in the MYR playoffs this past weekend.

Edina sneaked up on some observers (Goff Rugby Report included) in part because of a middling set of results at the Border Battle at hte beginning of the season. Head Coach Rob Thoresen said h tested some younger players in that event.

Top to bottom, Nick Bloom, Beau Luther, Nick Suedback. Guy Warren photos.

"Scores in that event don’t mean much in our pre-season prep," he said. "We had a good undefeated season and that early playing time allowed us to have a great bench all year long. A lot of different players started throughout the season and when guys got banged up, we were fortunate to keep going business as usual."

Thoresen said also that some key tough games helped Edina get ready.  

"Playing against Minnetonka High School twice - last game of league season and semifinals - was a big help for us," sad Thoresen. "They put us under a lot of pressure in our league match and helped us identify areas that needed improvement."

So that set up the final against Eagan, which boasted a team of powerful runners and had racked up big points all season.

"We focused on our defensive alignment, line speed and tried to take away as much space as possible at all times," said Thoresen, who called a series of early goalline stands a defining moment for the team. "Eagan threw everything at us and had possession for most of the first half."

And Edina held. Senior fullback Enrique Carmona is in just his first season of rugby, but has been brilliant for Edina. He scored an impressive breakaway try down the sideline for the first score of the match, and added a crucial penalty goal from a tough angle late in the game.

"In close games, his ability to put three points on the board from long range has been invaluable," said Thoresen. Meanwhile, inside center Nick Bloom, playing in his third state final, was inspirational. He scored a crucial try in the second half, but, said Thoresen, it was his leadership that really did the job.

Bloom worked nicely with flyhalf Nick Suedbeck, who directed play well and, while not flashy, put his teammates in a good position to make plays.

And up front, lock Beau Luther was powerful with ball in hand. Prop Perry Angelos has been solid all season, but broke out for his two best games in the semifinal and final.

"He has incredible work rate for a front-rower," said Thoresen, "and he made a lot of smart decisions at the right time to set us up for success." 

All of the players mentioned, aside from Carmona, will be back next year.