So much for those comfortable first-round games.
A number of early contests will prove crucial to the outcome of this year?s Maryland high school girls soccer regional playoffs, which start today. Dulaney?s first-round game, for one, will be anything but a cakewalk.
“That?s not the way it is,” coach Steve Power said. “You get who you get.”
Power?s Lions (7-5-2) will face defending Class 4A state champion C. Milton Wright in the 4A North Region.
A look at this year?s bracket proves that things will be tough for defending state champs like the Mustangs and Eastern Tech, the 2A winner.
“We can definitely repeat, but we have to come out with our best game,” said Eastern Tech coach Kim Williams, whose squad faces Randallstown in the 2A North?s first round.
With two wins, the Mavericks could create a Baltimore County rematch in the final.
“If we match up with Loch Raven, it should be a very intense game,” Williams said, noting that the pair played to a scoreless tie in Wednesday?s county championship.
Meade went 10-1-3 and earned the top seed in the 4A East. But coach Andre Wise?s Mustangs aren?t resting on a strong regular season.
“The reason why you play the games is because anything can happen,” Wise said. “We have had success with our portion of the bracket.”
Meade is one of eight Anne Arundel County schools in the 4A East.
“Anything can happen, so we can be prepared for each and every game as it comes,” Wise said.
In the 3A East, undefeated River Hill (15-0) has earned a top seed and might meet No. 2 Severna Park (12-2) in the regional final for the opportunity to advance to the state tournament.
Catonsville, the No. 1 seed in the 3A North at 10-2, earned one of the deepest byes in the entire playoffs. The Comets won?t play until the region semifinalson Nov. 3.
“It?s never easy,” Catonsville coach James Fitzpatrick said. “It?s a double-edged sword. Our goal in training is to keep up the intensity level we need to be successful when we get back on the pitch and play a meaningful game.”
