The Harnett Central varsity soccer team from Angier, NC, will host a home playoff match against Dixon from Holly Ridge, NC, today at 6 p.m. at Harnett Central. This game is part of the 2024 NCHSAA Men’s Soccer Championships – 3A tournament.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: North Carolina High School Soccer
Who: Dixon vs Harnett Central
When: Tuesday, November 12, 2024
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Bracket: 2024 NCHSAA Men’s Soccer Championships – 3A
Live stream: Watch here
Game Preview: Dixon vs. Harnett Central: 2024-25 Playoff
The stage is set for an exciting matchup in the 2024-25 NCHSAA Men’s Soccer Championships – 3A tournament as the Harnett Central varsity soccer team faces off against Dixon in a home playoff game. With both teams bringing impressive records to the table, this clash is expected to be a thrilling contest. Here’s a closer look at the teams’ performances, key players, and what to expect as they battle for a spot in the next round.
Rankings and Overall Record
- Dixon enters the matchup ranked 1,523rd nationally and 133rd in North Carolina with a 16-9 overall record and a 5-5 conference record. Their season has been marked by solid play, but inconsistency in conference matchups has been a challenge.
- Harnett Central, ranked 1,765th nationally and 147th in North Carolina, has posted an 18-3-1 overall record, including a 12-1-1 conference record, dominating in league play and showing strong form throughout the season.
Home and Away Performance
- Dixon has a mixed home and away record, with a 9-5 home record and 7-4 away record, reflecting their ability to perform in both settings but with some vulnerability on the road.
- Harnett Central has been dominant at home with a 9-2 record and has been nearly perfect on the road with a 9-1-1 record, making them a formidable opponent no matter where they play.
Scoring Averages and Offensive Strength
- Dixon averages 3.0 goals per game, with a strong second-half offense averaging 1.6 goals. They have scored 76 goals this season, with Aidan Teller (#9) leading the charge, contributing 27 goals and 20 assists.
- Harnett Central has also been potent offensively, averaging 3.4 goals per game. While their first-half scoring is lower, they excel in the latter stages, averaging 2.0 goals in overtime periods. Axel Cuellar (#10) has been a standout with 22 goals and 10 assists. The team has scored 74 goals this season.
Defensive Comparison
- Dixon has allowed 43 goals this season, resulting in a 1.703 goals-against average, which indicates some vulnerabilities defensively.
- Harnett Central has been solid defensively, allowing just 19 goals and posting an impressive 0.875 goals-against average. Their defense has been a key strength, with Alex Celestino-Clemente (#13) providing a standout goalkeeping performance.
Key Players and Stat Leaders
- Dixon’s offensive success revolves around Aidan Teller (#9), who leads the team with 27 goals and 20 assists, along with Aidan Meeks (#00), who has been solid in goal with a goals-against average of 1.703.
- Harnett Central’s Axel Cuellar (#10) has been the driving force with 22 goals and 10 assists, while Alex Celestino-Clemente (#13) has been outstanding in goal, with a 0.875 goals-against average.
Record Breakdown
- Dixon has a solid overall record of 16-9, but their 5-5 league record highlights some struggles in conference play.
- Harnett Central, on the other hand, has been nearly perfect with an 18-3-1 overall record, including a 12-1-1 conference record, showcasing their dominance in league play and impressive all-around performance.
Common Opponents
While the teams did not face any common opponents this season, their strong individual records suggest that both teams have faced quality opposition, making this playoff matchup an intriguing one.
Playoff Readiness
- Dixon enters the playoffs with solid offensive firepower, but their inconsistency throughout the season could be a factor against a team like Harnett Central, who has been dominant on both ends of the field.
- Harnett Central, with a strong defensive record and potent offensive weapons, will likely enter the match as the favorites, but Dixon’s ability to score quickly could pose a serious challenge.
Summary
As Dixon prepares to take on Harnett Central, the teams bring different strengths to the field. Dixon’s offensive power, led by Aidan Teller, will go up against Harnett Central’s well-balanced attack and stellar defense. With both teams eager to advance in the 2024-25 NCHSAA Men’s Soccer Championships – 3A, this matchup promises to be a high-stakes battle.