The Pender varsity soccer team from Burgaw, NC, will host a playoff match against Henderson Collegiate from Henderson, NC, today at 6:00 PM at Pender High School. 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: Henderson Collegiate vs Pender
When: Tuesday, November 12, 2024
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Bracket: 2024 NCHSAA Men’s Soccer Championships – 1A
Live stream: Watch here

Game Preview: Pender vs. Henderson Collegiate in the 2024 NCHSAA Men’s Soccer Championships – 1A

In tonight’s playoff matchup, the Pender Patriots and Henderson Collegiate Pride will face off in Burgaw, NC, at 6:00 PM as part of the 2024 NCHSAA Men’s Soccer Championships – 1A. Both teams enter this game with winning momentum, but Pender comes in as the higher-seeded favorite with a strong home record and a commanding season performance.

Team Overviews and Season Performance

Henderson Collegiate Pride has had a competitive season, finishing 12-11-2 overall, and stands as a formidable team with a respectable .520 win percentage. Despite being stronger at home, they’ve managed to hold their own on the road with a balanced 6-6-1 record. Henderson Collegiate’s offense has produced 57 goals this season, led by standout Leonardo Soler, who leads the team with 16 goals and 10 assists.

Pender, however, has been dominant this season with a 19-5-1 record and an outstanding .780 win percentage. Undefeated in conference play (11-0-1), they have proven themselves especially resilient at home, with a 12-4 record. The Patriots’ offense, averaging 4.9 goals per game, has outscored opponents with a total of 123 goals. Aidan Murray leads the charge with an impressive 35 goals, supported by playmaker Elvis Hernandez with 20 assists.

Team Comparison and Key Stats

While Henderson Collegiate has shown good form, Pender holds an edge in nearly every statistical category:

• Goals Scored: Pender’s offense has been prolific with 123 goals to Henderson’s 57.
• Defense: Pender’s goalkeeper, Carter Brown, has maintained a low goals-against average (1.019), providing a reliable last line of defense.
• Assists: Pender’s team has totaled 89 assists this season, a testament to their coordination and team-oriented play.

Key Players to Watch

• Henderson Collegiate: Leonardo Soler is the player to watch, contributing not only as the top goal-scorer but also as an assist leader, making him the heart of Henderson Collegiate’s offense.
• Pender: Aidan Murray has had a breakout season with 35 goals, while Elvis Hernandez provides critical support in the attack. Carter Brown’s consistent defense in goal could be a deciding factor tonight.

Matchup Prediction

Given Pender’s home advantage, strong defensive record, and high-scoring offense, they enter tonight’s game as the favorite. However, Henderson Collegiate has shown resilience, and with a strong performance from their key players, they could pose a threat. For Pender, keeping Soler in check and playing to their offensive strengths will be key to moving forward in the tournament.

With both teams vying for a spot in the next round, fans can expect an intense matchup as Henderson Collegiate looks to stage an upset, while Pender aims to extend their winning season.