Boys
Clover Hill at W.T. Woodson
W.T. Woodson junior forward Joe Barnd (19 goals, 3 assists) missed last year’s state final loss with an ankle injury. He wants another shot and can take another step toward redemption tonight against Clover Hill. Unless the Central Region’s Cavaliers keep him off the ball, the Northern Region’s Cavaliers will be headed back to Newport News.
Lake Braddock at Thomas Dale
The Bruins can prove the Northern Region final was a fluke in the tournament’s best quarterfinal matchup. Thomas Dale averages more than six goals a game and has been scored on just five times all season. If that margin seems out of whack, just remember the Knights are defending state champs.
Gar-Field at Landstown
Injured junior forward J.C. Cabrera (9 goals) could only limp through the Northwest Region final loss to North Stafford — his recovery for tonight’s game will be crucial for the Indians offense. Beach District player of the year and West Virginia recruit Ryan Gillespie leads the Eagles with 19 goals.
Girls
Mills Godwin at Centreville
The speedy Wildcats are known for their potent offense. But this game’s key matchup could be on defense, where Centreville sophomore defender Jordan Grant will face Eagles junior and Colonial District player of year Kelsey Billups.
Kellam at Forest Park
Sophomore Brittany Michels (21 goals) leads the defending state champions into Woodbridge, where they’ll have the unenviable task of trying to break down Bruins defender Elia Lake and goalkeeper Sarah Gray, who didn’t allow a goal in the Northwest Region Tournament.
Lake Braddock at Clover Hill
Starting flat has plagued the Bruins in the postseason, but once they get going, they are as dangerous as any team in the state. The Cavaliers boast a number of standouts, including Stanford recruit Kristin Stannard and Virginia-bound goalkeeper Chantel Jones.
Gar-Field at Cox
The Indians are familiar with the Beach District, having opened their season with wins over First Colonial and Kempsville. Senior forward Kendall Irby makes Gar-Field go – when she decides to take the game in her hands, the Indians are tough to beat.
Group AAA state soccer tournament quarterfinals
Boys
» Who, when: Clover Hill (18-2-1) at W.T. Woodson (14-4-1), 7 p.m.
Lake Braddock (17-1-2) at Thomas Dale (21-0), 7
Gar-Field (17-2) at Landstown
(18-2), 7:30
Girls
» Who, when: Lake Braddock
(15-5) at Clover Hill (17-2-1), 6
Gar-Field (14-5-2) at Cox (17-1-3) at Powhatan Field, 6
Mills Godwin (15-5) at Centreville (17-2-1), 7
Kellam (19-3) at Forest Park
(16-4-1), 7
