The Excelsior Classical Academy (Durham, NC) varsity soccer team will host Falls Lake (Creedmoor, NC) today at 6:00 PM in a home playoff match at Excelsior Classical Academy. 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: Falls Lake vs Excelsior Classical Academy
When: Tuesday, November 12, 2024
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Bracket: 2024 NCHSAA Men’s Soccer Championships – 1A
Live stream: Watch here
Game Preview: Excelsior Classical Academy Hosts Falls Lake in 1A Playoff Match
The Excelsior Classical Academy (Durham, NC) varsity soccer team is gearing up to face Falls Lake (Creedmoor, NC) in an exciting home playoff match today at 6:00 PM. This game is part of the 2024 NCHSAA Men’s Soccer Championships – 1A tournament.
Team Overview
Excelsior Classical Academy has been on a dominant run this season, posting an impressive 14-1-1 overall record. The team has excelled both at home and away, showcasing their strength in various settings with a 6-1-1 record at home and an unbeaten 8-0 mark in away matches. Their high-scoring offense, which averages 3.5 goals per game, has been led by standout players like Kevin Fernandez (14 goals, 11 assists) and Erick Lopez (37 assists). Defensively, the team has been solid, conceding just 26 goals in 16 matches.
On the other hand, Falls Lake enters the match with a 9-14 overall record and a 3-9 conference mark. While their record indicates some struggles this season, they have shown resilience and the potential to upset their opponents. The team’s leading scorer, Devin Blalock, has netted 10 goals and provided 4 assists. Falls Lake has averaged 1.8 goals per match, and they will need to significantly step up their offensive performance to challenge the high-scoring Excelsior team.
Previous Encounter
The two teams met earlier in the season on August 28, 2024, where Excelsior Classical Academy came out on top with a 3-1 victory over Falls Lake. This result will undoubtedly serve as motivation for both sides, with Excelsior looking to repeat their success and Falls Lake aiming to turn the tide.
Statistical Comparison
Excelsior Classical Academy has been a powerhouse in almost every aspect of the game, outscoring their opponents by a wide margin. Their attack, averaging 3.5 goals per game, far outpaces Falls Lake, who has managed just 1.8 goals per game. Defensively, the Durham-based team also holds a strong edge, with a significantly better goals-against average (1.465 for Falls Lake compared to a stingy 0.875 for Excelsior).
Key Players to Watch
- Excelsior Classical Academy:
- Kevin Fernandez (14 goals, 11 assists)
- Erick Lopez (37 assists)
- Robert Euceda-Gonzales (107 steals)
- Falls Lake:
- Devin Blalock (10 goals, 4 assists)
- Alex Nolte (1.668 goals against average)
The Road Ahead
With Excelsior Classical Academy riding a hot streak and Falls Lake battling to prove their mettle in the playoffs, today’s match promises to be a thrilling contest. The winner will advance further in the 2024 NCHSAA Men’s Soccer Championships – 1A tournament, with a berth in the next round on the line.
The match kicks off at 6:00 PM at Excelsior Classical Academy, and soccer fans can expect a high-energy, action-packed game as both teams vie for a spot in the next stage of the state championships.
