The Dover-Sherborn (Dover, MA) varsity soccer team will play a neutral-site playoff match against Norwell (MA) today. This game is part of the “2024 Massachusetts High School Boys Soccer Playoff Brackets: MIAA – Division 3” tournament.
Dover-Sherborn vs Norwell Game Info:
What: Massachusetts High School Soccer Playoffs
Who: Dover-Sherborn vs Norwell
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: TBD
Bracket: 2024 Massachusetts High School Boys Soccer Playoff Brackets: MIAA – Division 3
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Game preview: Dover-Sherborn vs Norwell
As the 2024-2025 soccer season heats up, the Norwell High School and Dover-Sherborn varsity soccer teams are gearing up for a highly anticipated playoff match. Both teams have showcased impressive records this season, with Norwell boasting a dominant 19-1-2 overall performance and Dover-Sherborn finishing at 17-3-2. Their strong performances in the league and across various competitions have set the stage for an exciting encounter. Here’s a breakdown of their seasons, team statistics, and the key matchups that fans can expect in this neutral-site showdown.
Norwell High School (24-25): Dominating the Field
Norwell has been a powerhouse throughout the season, with a stellar record of 19 wins, 1 loss, and 2 draws. The team has been nearly unstoppable in the league, where they remain unbeaten with a 10-0-1 record, outscoring opponents 74-10. Their offensive strength has been particularly evident, averaging 3.4 goals per game, while their defense has been impenetrable, allowing just 0.5 goals per game.
At home, Norwell remains formidable with a 10-1-1 record, and on the road, they are nearly perfect, with a 9-0-1 record. With an overall win percentage of .909 and a league win percentage of .955, Norwell enters the playoff matchup with high expectations. Their aggressive attack and tight defense will be key factors as they face Dover-Sherborn in this crucial game.
Dover-Sherborn High School (24-25): A Strong Contender
Dover-Sherborn has had an impressive season in its own right, finishing with a 17-3-2 overall record. Their league performance stands at 13-2, with a solid home record of 12-0-1. While not quite as dominant as Norwell, Dover-Sherborn has proven to be a formidable opponent, averaging 2.8 goals per game and conceding just 1.3 goals. Their overall win percentage stands at .818, with a league win percentage of .867.
Dover-Sherborn’s ability to perform well both at home and away, with a 5-3-1 record on the road, makes them a strong challenger in this neutral-site playoff. Their defense has been solid all season, and their offensive capabilities make them dangerous against any opponent.
Team Comparisons: Strengths and Weaknesses
When comparing the two teams, the differences in their scoring averages stand out. Norwell’s high-scoring offense, averaging 3.4 goals per game, significantly outpaces Dover-Sherborn’s 2.8 goals. On the defensive end, Norwell also holds an advantage, with an average of just 0.5 goals allowed per game, compared to Dover-Sherborn’s 1.3. However, Dover-Sherborn has shown resilience, especially at home, where they have an unbeaten record of 12-0-1.
The most interesting aspect of their seasons is their common opponent record. Both teams played against Hanover, and both emerged victorious: Norwell won 3-0 in their matchup, while Dover-Sherborn triumphed 4-0. This shared success against a formidable team highlights the competitiveness of both sides and sets the stage for a closely contested playoff game.
The Head-to-Head
The teams have faced off in the regular season once already, with their previous encounter ending in a 0-0 draw. This result adds to the excitement, as it shows that despite their differences in overall performance, these teams are evenly matched when it comes to direct competition. Both teams will look to break this stalemate and secure a win in their playoff matchup.
What to Expect in the Playoff Matchup
With both teams coming into this game with impressive records and balanced performances, the matchup promises to be a thrilling one. Norwell’s offensive firepower, combined with their defense, will look to overwhelm Dover-Sherborn, while Dover-Sherborn’s solid team play and strong defense will aim to shut down Norwell’s attack. Expect a tactical battle between two well-coached teams, with key moments likely to determine the winner.
This neutral-site playoff game could go either way, and fans are eager to see who will come out on top as these two high-performing teams square off for a spot in the next round.
