n Tuesday, November 12, 2024, the Kearny Kardinals (17-3) will face the Clifton Mustangs (12-3-2) in a neutral-site playoff match. This game is part of the 2024 New Jersey High School Boys Soccer Playoff Brackets for the NJSIAA North Jersey Section 1 Group 4 tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: New Jersey High School Soccer Playoffs
Who: Kearny vs Clifton
When: Tuesday, November 12, 2024
Time: TBD
Bracket: 2024 New Jersey High School Boys Soccer Playoff Brackets: NJSIAA – North Jersey Section 1 Group 4
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Game preview: Kearny vs Clifton

As the 2024-2025 high school sports season progresses, two teams have emerged as standouts in the National NJ Division: Clifton and Kearny. Both teams have dominated their respective leagues, showcasing impressive performances and building their legacies. Here’s a breakdown of their rankings, records, and key statistics from the current season.

Team Records & Performance Overview

Clifton High School:

• Overall Record: 12-3-2
• League Record: 6-1-1
• Home Record: 7-1-1
• Away Record: 4-2-1
• Neutral Record: 1-0
• Win Percentage: .765
• League Win Percentage: .812
• Goals For (GF): 51
• Goals Against (GA): 19

Kearny High School:

• Overall Record: 17-3
• League Record: 10-2
• Home Record: 13-0
• Away Record: 4-3
• Win Percentage: .850
• League Win Percentage: .833
• Goals For (GF): 73
• Goals Against (GA): 12

Both teams have posted strong records, with Kearny slightly ahead in overall performance with a .850 win percentage. Clifton has shown dominance on home turf, with a 7-1-1 record, while Kearny has been unbeaten at home, boasting a perfect 13-0 record.

Scoring Averages

When comparing the teams’ scoring averages, Kearny outpaces Clifton in both overall goals scored and their ability to score in specific game situations:

• Clifton’s Average Goals Per Game:
  • 1st Period: 0.7
  • 2nd Period: 0.5
  • Overtime: 0.5
  • Final Average: 3.0
• Kearny’s Average Goals Per Game:
  • 1st Period: 1.3
  • 2nd Period: 1.9
  • Final Average: 3.7

Kearny’s ability to score at a higher pace, especially in the 2nd period, sets them apart. Their average of 3.7 goals per game reflects a potent offensive attack.

Team Leaders

Each team has key players leading their efforts on the field:

• Clifton:
  • Leading Goal Scorer: #9 Lucas Vazquez (7 goals)
  • Leading Assists: #7 Adryel Garcia Ferreira (5 assists)
• Kearny:
  • Leading Goal Scorer: #4 (name not provided)
  • Leading Assists: #3 (name not provided)

Clifton’s Lucas Vazquez has been a standout on offense, while Kearny’s unlisted players are leading their squad with impressive contributions.

Record Breakdown

A detailed analysis of both teams’ performance across various categories:

• Head-to-Head: Both teams have yet to face each other this season, so a direct comparison remains to be seen.
• Common Opponents: No shared opponents have been identified yet for both teams.
• Home & Away: Kearny remains undefeated at home (13-0), while Clifton has had a solid showing at home (7-1-1). Away, Kearny has a slightly better record (4-3) compared to Clifton’s 4-2-1.
• Playoff Record: Both teams have shown promise in the playoffs, with Kearny securing a 2-0 record and Clifton posting a strong 2-0 playoff record as well.

Key Takeaways

Both Clifton and Kearny have proven themselves as formidable teams in their division, each with strengths that give them an edge. Kearny’s perfect home record and higher goal-scoring averages make them a dangerous opponent, while Clifton’s well-balanced team and strong home and away performances make them competitive in every aspect. The upcoming head-to-head matchup will certainly be a must-watch, as these two powerhouses are poised to make a deep run in the postseason.