Mahtomedi already is the first Minnesota girls soccer team to win three consecutive state championships. On the boys side, that feat is shared with Edina. Mahtomedi, a small-school dynasty built by former coach Mike Redmond who since has moved on to an assistant principal position at North St. Paul, looks to become the first Minnesota soccer team (boys or girls) to win four consecutive titles.

Apple Valley’s boys soccer program has a state-best seven championships, including the Class AA title last year. The Eagles are 7-0 in championship games.

Those traditional powers are back, as are others, in the quest for more titles that will be decided at the Metrodome on Nov. 1 when four championship games will be played.

FAB FIVE TEAMS

1. Apple Valley: Don’t bet against veteran Chuck Scanlon, coach of the defending Class AA champions.

2. Wayzata: With eight starters back from last season’s one-loss team, the Trojans might emerge as the team to beat.

3. Eden Prairie: Speed, skill and experience will make the Eagles a force in the Lake Conference and beyond.

4. Mounds View: The Mustangs tasted postseason success before losing to Apple Valley in the championship game. Don’t count out another run.

5. Minneapolis South: The loss of the Gibbons twins hurts, but depth remains.

FAB FIVE PLAYERS

1. Matthew Evertz, Totino-Grace, F, sr.: Aggressive and fun to watch, he is a scrappy goal-scorer and playmaker for the Eagles.

2. Mike Hutton, Apple Valley, MF, sr.: Top returner for the defending Class AA champions. Had 10 goals and 15 assists last season.

3. Spencer Menk, Mounds View, MF, sr.: Dynamic two-way playmaker and defender in the Mustangs’ midfield.

4. Colin Monasterio, Wayzata, MF, sr.: Controls the tempo of the Trojans’ attack with poise. Isn’t a huge goal-scorer, but sets up many.

5. Keidoe Pour, St. Bernard’s, MF, sr.: Could be the best player in the Class A field. Highly skilled and experienced.

FAB FIVE TEAMS

1. Woodbury: The dynasty shows no signs of ending anytime soon.

2. Mahtomedi: The Class A power can annually challenge for the big-school crown, too.

3. Park (Cottage Grove): A deep and talented squad lost to Woodbury in the sectional final.

4. Eden Prairie: Traditional power is 1-1 in past two state championship games.

5. Wayzata: Despite heavy losses to graduation, the Trojans typically find way back to state tournament.

FAB FIVE PLAYERS

1. Anna Belpedio, Coon Rapids, GK, sr.: Had 13 shutouts and a 0.45 GAA last season.

2. Brittany Henry, Mahtomedi, F, jr.: Became a dynamic go-to player; had 28 goals and had 15 assists last season.

3. Krista Lundgren, Lakeville South, MF, sr.: Speedy and sharp with the ball. Had 21 goals and 10 assists last season.

4. Allie Phillips, Mounds View, MF, jr.: Helped power the Mustangs to the Section 4AA title with 20 goals and 10 assists. Tough defender, too.

5. Briana Westlund, Park (Cottage Grove), D, jr.: Two-time all-state selection; a free-kick specialist.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

The state tournaments for Class A and AA boys and girls will be played over five days. The quarterfinals are at various metro-area sites on Oct. 24-26. Semifinals are at the Metrodome on Oct. 29 and 30. Championship games are Nov. 1.

– Tim Leighton