The Hastings Raiders boys soccer team wrapped up their 2025 campaign with a first-round section playoff loss at Eagan, falling 5-0 to the Wildcats. While the scoreboard told one story, the game offered a clearer picture of a young team holding its ground for a half against a physically stronger, more experienced opponent.
Eagan struck first off a free kick just outside the penalty box. It was a well-placed shot that barely slipped past goalkeeper Brady Stewart, who managed to get a hand on it, but couldn’t redirect it enough to keep it out. Despite the early pressure, Hastings held strong through the first half, trailing just 1-0 at the break.
“We bent but didn’t break,” said head coach Jamie Swanson. “We only gave up a set piece goal in the first half, and we called that fair.”
The second half, though, belonged to Eagan. The Wildcats adjusted their formation, began overloading one side of the field, and found holes in Hastings’ shape, scoring four more times to seal the win. Injuries didn’t help the Raiders' cause. Several key players were either limited or unable to go, and it showed as the match wore on.
“We had more than a few guys with things going on injury-wise,” Swanson said. “Johnny wasn’t near 100 percent and a couple guys in the back line couldn’t even get in today.”
Offensively, the Raiders struggled to generate chances. They managed just two shots, one on target, and failed to earn a corner kick. Eagan, meanwhile, finished with 29 shots, including 21 on frame.
The loss brings Hastings’ season to a close, along with the high school careers of 12 seniors, including nine varsity players. Their leadership will be missed, but the future is far from bleak.
The squad featured seven sophomores who gained varsity experience throughout the season. For many, this was their first taste of the speed and physicality at the top level of high school soccer. According to Swanson, that experience will be invaluable.
“Our sophomores got a taste of varsity speed for 16 matches,” he said. “Once they grow up a bit and get stronger, they’re going to realize what it takes to get over these pretty sizable humps.”
That growth will include more than just playing time. Size and strength were clear advantages for Eagan, and Swanson plans to keep the weight room in focus during the offseason.
“Definitely not skipping leg day is going to be a big deal,” he said. “It’s the little things athletes need to do, and I think they will. We’re not going to leave them alone. This is going to be the core of our squad.”
With a strong group of underclassmen and a clear plan for development, the Raiders walk away from a tough playoff exit with valuable lessons and a long runway ahead. The scoreboard didn’t favor Hastings this week, but the building blocks for future seasons are already in motion.