The Concord (NC) varsity soccer team will host Hickory (NC) in a home playoff match today at 6:00 p.m. at Concord. 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: Hickory vs Concord
When: Tuesday, November 12, 2024
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Bracket: 2024 NCHSAA Men’s Soccer Championships – 3A
Live stream: Watch here

Game Preview: Concord and Hickory Prepare for Playoff Matchup in 2024 NCHSAA Men’s Soccer Championships – 3A Tournament

The Concord (NC) varsity soccer team is set to host Hickory (NC) today at 6:00 p.m. in a pivotal playoff matchup. This game is part of the 2024 NCHSAA Men’s Soccer Championships – 3A tournament, where both teams look to advance further in the competition.

Season Records & Rankings

Hickory enters the matchup with an impressive overall record of 19-4-1, with a strong 12-1-1 showing in conference play. The team has demonstrated resilience both at home and away, with a solid win percentage of .812. Hickory has scored 67 goals and allowed 36, with standout player Braeden McCourt leading the charge with 33 goals on the season.

On the other side, Concord comes in with an even stronger record of 19-2-4, boasting a near-perfect 13-1-2 conference record. With a win percentage of .840, Concord has been dominant this season, particularly at home with a 10-2-2 record. They’ve netted 58 goals while allowing only 10, showcasing their defensive strength, particularly through their goalkeeper, Colt Celetti, who has an exceptional goals-against average of 0.403. Alan Narvaez-Gonzalez leads Concord in scoring with 13 goals.

Key Stat Comparison

• Goals Scored: Hickory has been more prolific in attack, scoring 67 goals, while Concord has netted 58 goals this season.
• Goals Against Average: Concord holds a significant advantage here with a remarkable 0.403 goals-against average, compared to Hickory’s 0.762.
• Assists: Hickory has the edge in assists, tallying 57, while Concord has 47.

Team Leaders

• Hickory: Braeden McCourt has been the top scorer for Hickory with 33 goals and 16 assists, showing his ability to contribute across the board.
• Concord: Alan Narvaez-Gonzalez leads Concord with 13 goals, while Peyton Phaneuf has contributed 16 assists to the team’s offensive play.

Playoff History

This will be the first head-to-head playoff meeting between Hickory and Concord, though both teams have had strong regular seasons and are primed for a competitive match. Concord comes into the game with high momentum, especially after their solid win percentage in both conference and non-conference games. Hickory, with a robust record and solid team chemistry, will be aiming to capitalize on their offensive strength to challenge Concord’s formidable defense.

The game will see two of the top teams in the 3A classification battle it out for a spot in the next round of the NCHSAA Men’s Soccer Championships. Hickory will look to utilize their strong offensive firepower, led by McCourt, while Concord will rely on their suffocating defense and tactical offensive play, led by their standout goalkeeper Celetti.

With both teams boasting high win percentages and strong overall performances this season, this promises to be an exciting and closely contested playoff match. Fans can expect an intense 90 minutes of soccer as both teams fight for the chance to continue their journey toward a state championship.

The game kicks off today at 6:00 p.m. at Concord High School. Don’t miss the action as these two powerhouse teams clash in a battle for soccer supremacy in the 3A bracket.