The Avery County varsity soccer team from Newland, NC, will host a home playoff match against Bishop McGuinness from Kernersville, NC, today at 6 p.m. at Avery County. This game is part of the 2024 NCHSAA Men’s Soccer Championships – 1A tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:
What: North Carolina High School Soccer
Who: Bishop McGuinness vs Avery County
When: Tuesday, November 12, 2024
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Bracket: 2024 NCHSAA Men’s Soccer Championships – 1A
Live stream: Watch here

Game Preview: Avery County vs. Bishop McGuinness: 2024-25 Playoff Preview

As the 2024-25 NCHSAA Men’s Soccer Championships – 1A tournament heats up, the upcoming playoff match between Avery County and Bishop McGuinness promises to be an exciting showdown. Both teams have put together impressive seasons, and this clash is sure to be a thrilling contest for fans and players alike. Here’s an in-depth look at the teams, their performances, and what to expect as they prepare for this pivotal match.

Rankings and Overall Record

Bishop McGuinness enters this game with strong national and state rankings:

• Bishop McGuinness is ranked 1,933rd nationally and 162nd in North Carolina, with a class rank of 10th. Their record stands at 14-4-4 overall, with a 9-2-1 conference record, showing a strong finish to the season.
• Avery County ranks 1,153rd nationally and 107th in North Carolina, placing them 4th in their class. They have a solid 9-2-1 overall record, with a dominant 4-1 conference record, showcasing consistency and strong performance in league play.

Home and Away Performance

Both teams have been strong at home, but Avery County has a more balanced away record:

• Avery County has an excellent 6-1-1 home record and a respectable 3-1 away record, giving them confidence heading into this match.
• Bishop McGuinness has posted a strong 8-2-1 home record, but their 5-2-2 away performance shows that they can be vulnerable on the road, although still competitive.

Scoring Averages and Offensive Strength

Offensively, Bishop McGuinness has proven to be a high-scoring team:

• Bishop McGuinness averages 4.7 goals per game, with 102 goals scored this season. They have been especially potent in the first half, averaging 2.7 goals.
• Avery County, on the other hand, has averaged 2.8 goals per game, with 34 goals scored. Their offense is more modest, but they have been able to consistently find the back of the net when needed.

Key Players and Stat Leaders

Each team features key players who have led them to success this season:

• Bishop McGuinness relies heavily on Mahol Chom (#11), who has scored 19 goals and contributed 16 assists, as well as Tyler Sturgill (#7), who has registered 16 assists this season.
• Avery County has been led by Kaden Knight (#17), who has scored 17 goals and is the team’s primary offensive threat, along with Cain Hart (#2), who has provided 3 assists.

Defensive Comparison and Goalkeeping

Both teams have shown solid defensive performances throughout the season:

• Bishop McGuinness has been strong defensively, allowing just 20 goals this season, and their goals-against average is 0.758, indicating solid play at the back.
• Avery County has a slightly higher goals-against average of 1.083, with 13 goals allowed this season. Despite this, their defense has held up well, especially in key games.

Record Breakdown

When comparing the two teams’ records:

• Bishop McGuinness has been successful in both league play and non-league games, finishing the season with a strong 9-2-1 league record and a 5-2-2 non-league record.
• Avery County has excelled in conference play, with a perfect 4-1 conference record and a solid 3-2-2 non-league record. Their 6-1-1 home record has been particularly impressive.

Common Opponents

While the teams have not faced any common opponents this season, both have had success against similar teams, making it clear that they are well-matched and prepared for this playoff battle.

Playoff Readiness

• Avery County enters the playoffs with a strong overall record and a solid playoff win under their belt, showcasing their readiness for the challenge.
• Bishop McGuinness also brings experience and a proven track record to the table, with a history of strong performances throughout the season.

Summary

With an explosive offense led by Mahol Chom and a sturdy defense, Bishop McGuinness enters the game as the higher-ranked team. However, Avery County is no stranger to success, boasting a solid record and an impressive home performance. The combination of Avery County’s defense and Bishop McGuinness’ attacking strength sets the stage for an exciting and tightly contested match in the 2024-25 NCHSAA Men’s Soccer Championships – 1A tournament.