The Bradford Prep (Charlotte, NC) varsity soccer team will play a home playoff match against Mount Airy (NC) today at 6 p.m. This game is part of the 2024 NCHSAA Men’s Soccer Championships – 1A tournament.

Bradford Prep vs Mount Airy Game Info:

What: North Carolina High School Soccer Playoffs
Who: Bradford Prep vs Mount Airy
When: Tuesday, November 19, 2024
Time: 6:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 NCHSAA Men’s Soccer Championships – 1A
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Game preview: Bradford Prep vs Mount Airy

As we move deeper into the 2024-25 soccer season, two teams have emerged as powerhouses in their respective leagues: Mount Airy and Bradford Prep. Both teams have posted impressive records, with Mount Airy boasting a 22-3 overall record and Bradford Prep following closely with a 20-3 mark. Let’s take a closer look at these teams’ performance metrics, key players, and their head-to-head comparisons.

Mount Airy: A Dominant Force

Mount Airy has demonstrated a remarkable level of consistency and skill this season. With a strong 22-3 overall record, the team has excelled in both conference and non-conference play, earning an 11-1 record in conference matchups. They have been particularly dominant at home, with a perfect 12-0 record. Their impressive 152 goals scored and a mere 29 goals conceded showcase their offensive firepower and solid defense.

Key player Angel Ortiz-Osorno leads the charge for Mount Airy, scoring 26 goals and contributing 20 assists, while also racking up 63 shots and 248 steals. In goal, Diego Rodriguez has been exceptional, posting a Goals Against Average (GAA) of 1.253, adding to the team’s overall defensive strength.

Bradford Prep: Consistent and Effective

Bradford Prep, with a 20-3 record, has also proven to be a formidable opponent. The team has an impressive 13-1 conference record, and while their home and away splits are strong (13-1 and 7-2), it is their defensive capabilities that have stood out. Bradford Prep has conceded just 18 goals in total this season, with a standout GAA of 0.780—significantly lower than Mount Airy’s. The team has also managed to score 87 goals, a solid number, though not quite as high as Mount Airy’s offensive output.

Grant Ellis, with 22 goals, and Logan Grasso, who has contributed 14 assists and 146 shots, are standout performers for Bradford Prep. In goal, John Michael Alexander has been stellar, boasting a 0.667 GAA, which has been crucial to the team’s success.

Comparing Team Scoring Averages

When comparing scoring averages, Mount Airy’s offense averages 6.1 goals per game, with 2.8 goals in the first half, 2.0 in the second half, and 1.0 in both overtime periods. This consistency in scoring shows a well-rounded offensive strategy. Bradford Prep, on the other hand, averages 3.8 goals per game, with 1.9 goals in the first half and 2.0 in the second, making them less explosive but still a very efficient team offensively.

Head-to-Head: Common Opponents

Both teams have faced common opponents this season, which gives us a glimpse into how they match up against similar competition.

• Starmount: Both teams defeated Starmount, with Mount Airy winning 4-0 at home on October 8 and Bradford Prep winning 3-1 on November 12.
• Elkin: Mount Airy lost to Elkin 4-1 at home on October 23 but bounced back with a 4-1 win away on November 4. Bradford Prep, however, won 2-1 in both their matches against Elkin on October 14 and November 14.

In terms of performance against common opponents, Mount Airy holds a 3-1 record, while Bradford Prep has gone 2-0.

Overall Team Statistics

• Mount Airy:
  • Goals: 130
  • Assists: 97
  • Shots: 189
  • Steals: 1,734
  • Goals Against Average: 1.253
• Bradford Prep:
  • Goals: 87
  • Assists: 71
  • Shots: 529
  • Steals: N/A
  • Goals Against Average: 0.780

Playoff Outlook

Both teams are poised for deep playoff runs. Mount Airy enters the postseason with an impeccable 4-0 playoff record, while Bradford Prep also holds a perfect 4-0 mark in their playoff games. Their defensive prowess, particularly Bradford Prep’s low GAA, will be key factors as both teams look to continue their dominance in the postseason.

Conclusion

Both Mount Airy and Bradford Prep have shown they are among the elite in their conference and beyond. Mount Airy’s high-scoring offense and well-rounded play have made them a tough team to beat, while Bradford Prep’s stingy defense and efficient scoring have made them a well-oiled machine. As the season progresses, these two teams will continue to make waves, and fans can expect to see some exciting matchups, particularly when they eventually meet on the field. The stage is set for a thrilling finish to the 2024-25 season, with both teams poised for championship glory.