No easy draws, no clear favorites. This year’s Northern Region soccer tournaments both promise to be wide open from the opening kickoff, but The Examiner believes only four boys teams and four girls teams have a legitimate shot at a title.
Boys
Lake Braddock
Why?: Destiny knocks twice.
The pain of last year’s region semifinal loss, the Bruins’ only defeat of the season, still lingers. No player has embodied Lake Braddock’s (14-0-2) determination to erase that memory more than Northern Region player of the year, Guil Costa, the team’s engine on offense, but defense will be the key. A potential quarterfinal against Westfield — which would pit Bruins defenders Matt Weiler and Jon Smithgall against Bulldogs scoring threats Pat Barthold and A.J. Sheta — could be the game of the year.
Westfield
Why?: No surprises.
The Bulldogs (12-2-2) have known all season the biggest obstacle in the way of consecutive region titles is Lake Braddock, and they won’t be intimidated should the teams meet in Thursday’s quarterfinals. If they go into Burke and win, the Bulldogs will return home for next week’s semifinals and final supremely confident and heavily favored.
Robinson
Why?: The battle-tested Rams haven’t lost since before Spring Break.
Robinson (11-2-2) has put its stamp on the Concorde District in its first season since moving from the Patriots. Led by senior midfielder Tyler Mishalow, the Rams have the characteristics of a championship team in the making — they’ve eked out a number close results, including five one-goal wins, and in the district final, they became the first team to hold Westfield without a goal this season.
Hayfield
Why?: Speed and seniors.
The Hawks (8-2-3), who haven’t lost to any team outside of the Patriot District, have the edge in close games — they haven’t conceded more than one goal in a game. With 14 seniors, they’ll be playing with more emotion than any of their opponents, not a bad thing when already one of the region’s fastest teams.
girls
Lake Braddock
Why?: Health.
Whether or not they were ever really gone, the Bruins (12-4) are back and closer to full strength with every game they play. Junior midfielder Katie Dye gives Lake Braddock speed and fearlessness going forward – she’ll play a crucial role as the Bruins get a chance to exact revenge on Chantilly in the quarterfinals and Robinson in the semifinals.
Centreville
Why?: Speed on the flanks.
When the Wildcats (13-2-1) get the ball wide, few teams can keep them from turning the corner and going for goal. Northern Region player of the year Emily Jukich (16 goals) has proven she can score against anyone, and sophomore midfielders Katherine Cramp and Jordan Grant make Centreville difficult to beat inthe middle, too.
Yorktown
Why?: An easy road to the final — well, not really.
The top seed in the toughest corner of the draw, the Patriots (15-1) get homefield advantage and a chance to prove themselves once and for all. Yorktown likely needs to beat two teams that have been ranked No. 1 this season (Centreville and Langley) just to reach the final. Senior goalkeeper Brianna Arthurs hasn’t allowed a goal in six games.
Hayfield
Why?: Offense, offense and more offense.
The Hawks (12-3) fell to a No. 4 seed after stumbling against Lake Braddock in the Patriot District semifinals, but their attack — over 40 goals combined by forwards Kelly Mitchell and Marika Gray — gives them more than an outside chance. If they can get by Stone Bridge in tonight’s first round, look out.
