Millers, Raiders Kick to a Tie

The Minneapolis Washburn Millers and Roseville Raiders shot on target early, but strong defense and missed opportunities led to a 1-1 double-overtime tie Tuesday night.

“It was an even, well-played game,” Millers coach Aaron Percy said.

Joey Froehlich of the Millers scored his first goal of the season with 46 seconds left in the first half to tie the game 1-1. The Raiders had jumped in front early with a goal by Ross Stecklein. 

Millers goalkeeper Andy MacDonald held off three shots on goal in the first overtime by the Raiders. The second overtime frame brought more back-and-forth competition by the two clubs.

“We had a lot of opportunities to score,” Raiders coach Agapitos Papagaptios said. “We didn’t finish. Minneapolis Washburn was well-organized and prepared.”

MacDonald stepped up in the net multiple times during regulation for the Millers. His stops included a big save against the Raiders’ forward Elvis Barclay in a two-on-one situation late in regulation. Percy said he knew about Barclay’s recent three-goal performance against Tartan, and he had his team prepared.

“But, we had to be ready to defend everyone else too,” Percy added.

The Millers (1-0-1) will begin Minneapolis City Conference play on Wednesday, Sept. 7 at Minneapolis North. The Millers finished third in the MCC last year, but lost in the sectional tournament to Trinity, 3-2.

“We’re expecting to move up,” Percy said about the new season.