This fall, boys' soccer teams in the St. Cloud metro area are gearing up for competitive seasons, with several schools fielding strong rosters. Cathedral leads the way, aiming to capitalize on their 15 consecutive Granite Ridge Conference titles and a stellar record of 19-2-1 last year. Sartell hopes to build on their solid performance with a robust senior class, while Rocori seeks redemption after a heartbreaking playoff exit. Additionally, teams like Apollo and St. Cloud Tech are motivated to improve from last season's challenges. The season kicks off soon, starting with notable matches, including some rematches of last year's state tournament.

By the Numbers
  • Cathedral's last season record: 19-2-1
  • Sartell's last season record: 12-7-1, Section 8 and CLC champions
  • Rocori's last season record: 12-4-2
  • St. Cloud Tech forfeited 8 games due to eligibility violations, altering their record drastically.
State of Play
  • Cathedral starts their season against Rochester Lourdes on August 28, building on strong pre-season expectations.
  • Sartell opens on September 1 against Willmar, looking to assert their place in the rankings.
  • Apollo aims for an improved season after underperforming last year, beginning with a match against Marshall.
What's Next

As the season progresses, teams like Cathedral and Sartell are expected to dominate, but surprises could emerge from teams seeking redemption, like Apollo and Rocori. Fans should watch for key matchups that could shift team standings. The first few games will determine the trajectories of these programs, laying the groundwork for potential playoff runs.

Bottom Line

This season presents a chance for established teams like Cathedral to continue their legacies while giving others, like Apollo and St. Cloud Tech, an opportunity to rise from last year's setbacks. Teams that can adapt quickly and capitalize on early season momentum may prove to be the most successful as the season unfolds.