Edina Hornets Edge Rogers Royals in Thrilling Overtime Clash

ST. PAUL, Minn. — The No. 5-seed Edina Hornets (20-7-2) triumphed over No. 4-seed Rogers Royals (24-3-2) 2-1 in an overtime thriller during the 2025 Minnesota State High School League Class 2A quarterfinals held Thursday at the Xcel Energy Center.

The match featured a storied contrast between the two programs; Edina holds the record for the most state titles in Minnesota history with 11, while the Royals were making their first-ever tournament appearance. As the game concluded regulation, both teams were locked at one goal.

“[Rogers] seemed to be fine with the whole thing, being their first time here,” said Edina head coach Curt Giles. “They didn’t show any nerves. I think they played extremely well.”

The game commenced with Rogers striking first. Junior Mason Jenson scored, giving the Royals an early lead that lasted for ten minutes against the Class 2A defending champions.

<p“It was probably one of the best games we played,” said Royals head coach David Brown. “To get the lead was huge.”

Edina responded by ramping up their aggression throughout the second period. Bode McConnell found the net with a well-executed wrist shot past Rogers goalie Wyatt Knott, leveling the score 1-1.

<p“Our first period wasn’t our best period, but they hung in there,” Giles commented. “They stayed with it. We started to play better in the second period and be more aggressive.”

The third period remained tight, with both teams pushing for an advantage. Edina nearly clinched the lead with mere seconds remaining in regulation. In a heart-stopping moment, Tucker Johnson’s shot was thwarted by Knott, who made an incredible pad save.

<p“Best game I’ve ever seen him play," Jenson remarked about his goalie. “Last save was the best save I’ve ever seen.”

<pAs fatigue set in for both teams during overtime, Edina’s Caleb Pittsley seized an opportunity arising from a Rogers turnover near the blue line. He fired a shot past Knott, scoring the game-winning goal.

<p“I just ripped it,” said Pittsley. “I wasn’t thinking—a little tired.”

<pThe loss was tough for the Royals, who are filled with talented seniors facing their last games together this weekend.

<p“It’s a special group that came together,” Brown reflected. “When you have a senior class that’s this special, you don’t want it to ever end.”

<pWith this victory, Edina advances to the Class 2A semifinals set for Friday at 8 p.m. at the Xcel Energy Center, where they will face top-seeded Moorhead, who has defeated Edina twice this season.