By Tom Schardin, Staff Writer

The Prior Lake boys soccer team had some encouraging signs in its first two games.

It looks like the Lakers have found another scoring threat up front to team with senior Jeff Butler.

The Lakers have five goals in its 1-0-1 start with Butler and fellow forward, sophomore David Wee, combining for four of them.

“They could be a dangerous duo as the year progresses,” said Lakers coach Mike Shebuski. “They play well off each other and have really clicked the first two games.”

Butler and Wee each had a goal in the Lakers’ 3-1 win over Bloomington Jefferson on Aug. 26.

They also scored a goal apiece in the Lakers’ 2-2 tie with Burnsville on Aug. 21 in the season opener.

Butler scored 14 goals for the Lakers last season in helping the team win the Missota Conference title and reach the Section 2AA title game. But the team graduated two strong offensive players in Chad Dorrian (16 goals) and Matt Clements (10 goals, 10 assists), so trying to replace that offensive output will likely be needed if the Lakers want to achieve even great heights in 2008.

Shebuski said the one thing his team needs to improve following the first two games is playing a full 80 minutes.

“We need to make sure we put a full game together,” said Shebuski. “Coming off the preseason, our fitness may have let us down a little against Burnsville.”

The Lakers jumped out to a 2-0 lead against the Blaze, but couldn’t hold it. Juniors Aaron Johnson and Mike Zawlocki each had assists in the tie.

Against Jefferson, Shebuski said his team made a little more progress, getting good contributions from the bench and a strong effort from the midfield and defense.

Senior Kurt Randa also had a goal in the win over Jefferson.

Senior David Byrne and junior Will Morse have split the goalie duties in the first two games.

“Both have done a great job so far,” said Shebuski. “If both play well, both will get time.

“I think we answered a few questions our first two games, but we still have a ways to go,” added Shebuski.

The Lakers are back on the field on Thursday, Aug. 28 when they take on Minnetonka in a non-conference game at 5 p.m. The Lakers play host to No. 3-ranked Apple Valley on Saturday, Aug. 30 at 1 p.m.

The Missota Conference season starts Tuesday, Sept. 2 at Northfield at 5 p.m. The Lakers will play host to Holy Angels on Thursday, Sept. 4 at 7 p.m.

“Our first six games are very tough,” said Shebuski. “But they’ll help us get better. We have to keep making progress. We have to play full games and keep working hard. If we can do that, we’ll be a pretty good team.”