The International varsity soccer team from San Francisco, CA, will play a neutral playoff match against Head-Royce from Oakland, CA, today at 2:30 p.m. at Head-Royce. This game is part of the 2024 NCS Boys Fall Soccer Championships – Division 1 tournament.

Head-Royce vs International Soccer Match Info:

What: California High School Soccer
Who: Head-Royce vs International
When: Wednesday, November 13, 2024
Time: 2:30 p.m.
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Match preview: Head-Royce vs International

Two top California high school soccer teams, Head-Royce and International, are set to face off again, rekindling an intense rivalry. The teams previously met on September 4, 2024, when Head-Royce secured a decisive 3-1 away victory. With both teams bringing impressive records into the season, this playoff matchup promises to be a thrilling contest between the elite programs.

Season Overview and Records

Head-Royce (24-25)

Head-Royce enters the playoffs with a near-perfect record (17-0-1), marking them as the No. 1 team in California and No. 43 nationally. They achieved an unbeaten league record of 10-0, showing dominance both home and away with 9-0-1 and 7-0 records, respectively. Averaging 3.9 goals per match, they have maintained a staggering win percentage of .972, scoring 71 goals while conceding only 6, demonstrating their strength in both offense and defense.

International (24-25)

International High School, ranked No. 3 in California and No. 103 nationally, has also enjoyed a strong season, posting a 15-3-2 overall record and an 8-0-2 league record. International has shown resilience across their schedule, particularly in high-stakes games, with a goal-scoring average of 2.6 per game. Though their win percentage stands at a solid .800, their defense has allowed more goals than Head-Royce, conceding 24 over the season.

Key Players and Stats Comparison

Head-Royce Team Leaders:

• Jonah Greenberg: With 20 goals, 82 shots, and 14 steals, Greenberg has been instrumental in Head-Royce’s unbeaten streak.
• Jayden Oh: Leading with 11 assists, Oh has been a key playmaker, setting up scoring opportunities.
• Alex Furber: As the team’s goalkeeper, Furber boasts a perfect goals-against average (GAA) of 0.00, showing his incredible shot-stopping ability.

International Team Leaders:

• Conor Maguire: Scoring 26 goals, Maguire is the top scorer for International, providing the team with crucial offensive firepower.
• Yaseen Alrammah: With 4 assists, Alrammah has facilitated International’s attacking play.
• Mathieu Sellier: In goal, Sellier holds a 0.800 GAA, presenting a solid but more vulnerable defense compared to Head-Royce.

Head-to-Head Matchup & Common Opponents

The September matchup between these teams saw Head-Royce pull away with a 3-1 win. Head-Royce displayed resilience, overcoming an initial deficit with three unanswered goals in the second half. When comparing results against common opponents, Head-Royce holds a slight edge with an 8-0-1 record, while International is 7-2. Notably, Head-Royce remained unbeaten against opponents like Drew and Gateway, while International experienced mixed results.

Team Stats & Scoring Comparison

Head-Royce’s offense averages nearly four goals per game, while their defense has allowed an average of just 0.294 goals against per game. In contrast, International averages 2.6 goals scored per game and has a goals-against average of 1.150, reflecting a comparatively looser defense. Head-Royce’s defensive organization and high shot count (209) could give them an advantage in controlling the pace and flow of the game.

Prediction

Head-Royce’s combination of unbeaten record, high-scoring offense, and a virtually impenetrable defense positions them as the favorites. However, with top scorers like Conor Maguire leading the way, International could pull off an upset if they can find gaps in Head-Royce’s defense. With both teams hungry for victory, this rematch is set to be a battle of skill, strategy, and resilience.

Whether Head-Royce can maintain their unbeaten streak or International can leverage their experience to even the score, fans can expect an exhilarating playoff showdown.