The Richard Montgomery varsity soccer team from Rockville, MD, will face off against Blair from Silver Spring, MD, in a neutral playoff match today. This game is part of the 2024 Maryland High School Boys Soccer Playoff Brackets under the MPSSAA Class 4A tournament.
Blair vs Richard Montgomery Soccer Match Info:
What: Maryland High School Soccer
Who: Blair vs Richard Montgomery
When: Thursday, November 14, 2024
Time: In progress
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Match preview: Blair vs Richard Montgomery
Today marks a highly anticipated playoff matchup between two of Maryland’s most competitive high school soccer teams: the Blair Blazers and the Richard Montgomery Rockets. Both teams have shown remarkable form this season, demonstrating their prowess against common opponents and securing high rankings in state and national polls. The stakes are high as these rivals meet on neutral ground, each eager to advance further in the playoff race.
Season Records and Team Statistics
The Blair Blazers enter the game with a solid record of 12-4-4, including an impressive 3-0 region record. Known for their defensive resilience, they have outscored their opponents 44 to 21 this season. Blair has consistently capitalized on its home-field advantage with a 5-1-1 record at home and has shown adaptability, holding strong on the road with a 4-3-2 away record. With a winning percentage of .700 and a perfect 1.000 in regional play, the Blazers are a formidable playoff contender.
Richard Montgomery, on the other hand, boasts a slightly stronger overall record at 16-4-1. Although their regional record stands at 2-2, their impressive non-league record of 8-2-1 and a 6-0 record in playoff matches make them a formidable opponent. The Rockets have netted 49 goals this season, also conceding 21. Their goal-scoring average of 2.3 slightly edges out Blair’s, suggesting a slight offensive advantage. With a .786 win percentage, Richard Montgomery is undoubtedly one of the more challenging teams to face in the league.
Head-to-Head and Previous Encounters
Blair and Richard Montgomery previously met on October 9, with Blair emerging victorious in a dominant 3-0 performance. The Blazers displayed defensive mastery, shutting out Richard Montgomery in a non-conference matchup that sent a strong message ahead of today’s playoff clash. This win has likely bolstered Blair’s confidence, but it also means the Rockets will be motivated to settle the score and keep their playoff journey alive.
Comparison Against Common Opponents
Both teams have faced a slew of common opponents throughout the season, with notable wins over teams like Bethesda-Chevy Chase, Northwood, and Springbrook. Blair holds a 7-2-2 record against common opponents, while Richard Montgomery’s record is slightly better at 8-2. Both teams have had mixed results against powerhouse teams, but Richard Montgomery’s narrow victories in crucial matchups hint at their capacity to clinch tight games.
Match Predictions
While Blair has shown strength in head-to-head matchups, Richard Montgomery’s offensive edge and flawless playoff performance to date make them a challenging opponent. However, Blair’s balanced home and away record and high-scoring games on neutral grounds should add intrigue to the game.
This game is bound to be a nail-biter, with both teams bringing playoff intensity to the field.
