November: cool air, falling leaves, and playoff soccer. Some teams expected the postseason from day one, while others just barely squeaked in. No matter where everyone started, it’s all about surviving and advancing now. Here are some matchups to keep an eye on:
BOYS
Saugus (21) at Stoneham (12)
The Saugus Sachems were a fast, skilled, and energetic team during the regular season. A result of the Sachems’ efforts: a preliminary round bye. Now, they take their 13-3-2 record into the round of 32 against Stoneham (7-7-4). There’s no better time for Saugus to compete in the postseason – the Sachems are riding a seven-game winning streak, scoring 22 goals in that span. However, Stoneham stands in their way – a team coming off a 2-1 win over Melrose in its finale, and hosting Saugus on its home-turf. Saugus is 7-2-2 on the road, and look to up that record against Stoneham.
Lunenburg (21) at Lynn Tech (12)
The Lynn Tech boys soccer team finished its regular season with wins against Mystic Valley, Northeast Metro RVT, and a tie against Lynn-neighbor KIPP. The Tigers have a bye in the preliminary round, and host Lunenberg in the round of 32. The teams have the same amount of wins and are only ranked nine spots apart – so look for an intense matchup. The Tigers have won both home and away games rather easily this season – a strength that can help them in their postseason run. Tech looks to defend Manning Field once more against Lunenburg.
Wilmington (20) at Lynnfield (13)
When a team has a 30-year head coach in Brett Munroe – who has a history of winning big games – and a superstar goal-scorer in Alex Gentile, it’s hard to knock them off – or out. The Lynnfield Pioneers registered another impressive season, going 12-3-3 and being ranked 13th in the D3 tournament. In its 18 games, Lynnfield allowed just 13 goals. Coming to Pioneer Stadium, however, is Wilmington. Despite its 3-11-4 record, Wilmington played Lynnfield earlier this fall and only lost by one goal – so look for another close matchup in the round of 32.
Auburn (34) at St. Mary’s (31)
Coming off its stoppage time equalizer in its regular season finale, St. Mary’s is present and accounted for in the postseason. The Spartans went 11-4-3 this season – scoring 50 total goals compared to their opponents’ 14. However, they haven’t won since Oct. 19, so St. Mary’s matchup against Auburn is an opportunity for them to reenter the win column, gain momentum, and advance past the preliminary round. From Kaya Jackson’s finishing touch to Jacob Guarino’s highlight-reel saves, the Spartans have lots going for them heading into the postseason.
GIRLS
Durfee (36) at Peabody (29)
The Peabody girls soccer team started the season with scoring troubles, shown in early Sept. when they failed to score in back-to-back games against Tewksbury and Danvers. Since then, the Tanners have held their own – rounding out the regular season with a near-even record of 7-8-1. Peabody was rewarded with home-field advantage in its matchup in the preliminary round against Durfee – a 12-5-1 team ranked just seven spots behind. Peabody looks to reach .500 and avoid the upset against an offensively-talented Durfee team.
Lynn Classical (38) at Wachusett Regional (27)
Passionate first-year head coach, check. Superstar goal-scorer, check. Shutdown goalkeeper, check. The Lynn Classical Rams – led by Head Coach Jessica Gambale, forward Ava Thurman, and keeper Lauren Wilson – look to escape their matchup against Wachusett Regional with an upset victory. The Rams have shown the ability to communicate off-the-ball, deliver crisp passes, and provide layers on defense. However, they’ll have to do so against Wachusett Regional in enemy territory.
Marblehead (17) at Stoughton (16)
The Marblehead Magicians finished the regular season with a 9-4-5 record, earning them a preliminary round bye and a matchup against Stoughton in the round of 32. The teams are separated by just one rank, and Marblehead finished the season with only two more wins. Stoughton is 5-3-1 on its home turf, allowing just 22 goals in 18 games. The moral of the story is – get your popcorn ready for an exciting matchup.
Lynnfield (17) at Swampscott (16)
The 17th ranked Pioneers, the 16th ranked Big Blue – one entertaining round of 32 matchup. Fresh off their 2-1 win over Burlington in their season finale, the Pioneers look to keep the energy flowing. Although, randomly pick a game on Swampscott’s schedule this season and you might just land on a game where they shut out the opposition. With the Pioneers’ Sykes sisters and their scoring touches, to Swampscott’s defensive prowess, look for the matchup to be a fun one.
Game dates and times to be updated on the MIAA’s website.
