The Holly Springs (NC) varsity soccer team will host Millbrook (Raleigh, NC) in a home playoff match today at 6:30 p.m. at Holly Springs. This game is part of the 2024 NCHSAA Men’s Soccer Championships – 4A tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:
What: North Carolina High School Soccer
Who: Millbrook vs Holly Springs
When: Tuesday, November 12, 2024
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Bracket: 2024 NCHSAA Men’s Soccer Championships – 4A
Live stream: Watch here

Game Preview: A Closer Look at Millbrook and Holly Springs Soccer Teams

The 2024-2025 high school soccer season has brought plenty of excitement, particularly in the North Carolina region, with two teams rising to prominence: Millbrook and Holly Springs. These two squads, despite being from different conference standings, share an intense rivalry, and their performances this season have been nothing short of impressive.

Millbrook’s Solid Season

Millbrook (Raleigh, NC) enters the season with an overall record of 12-6-5. While their performance has been strong, they face some stiff competition in both conference and non-conference games. The team has showcased a balanced attack, scoring 53 goals and conceding 37, leading to a .630 win percentage. They’ve managed a solid conference record of 6-3-1. However, when it comes to away games, Millbrook holds an impressive 8-2-1 record, which shows their resilience outside of their home turf.

Key player Sean O’Laughlin, with 40 goals this season, is undoubtedly the focal point of the Millbrook offense. His prowess has been complemented by Jayson Cantor, who has registered 16 assists, contributing significantly to the team’s offensive output. Goalkeeper Wilber Beckett has also been crucial, maintaining a solid defensive presence.

Holly Springs Dominates the Season

Holly Springs (NC), on the other hand, has been a dominant force with a staggering 20-1-1 record. Their .932 win percentage is a testament to their skill and consistency throughout the season. The team has not only been successful at home (12-1) but also away (8-0-1), making them a formidable opponent wherever they play. With a remarkable 74 goals scored and only 27 goals conceded, Holly Springs boasts a goal difference that is hard to match. Their .964 conference win percentage is another indicator of their near-perfect performance.

The Holly Springs offense has been led by Sean O’Laughlin, who is also a standout performer for his team, while their defense has been equally strong, with goalkeeper Wilber Beckett maintaining an impressive 0.094 goals against average, one of the best in the region.

Head-to-Head: The Rivalry

In their head-to-head matchups this season, Holly Springs came out victorious, winning the game on September 3, 2024, by a score of 4-2. Despite Millbrook’s best efforts, the home side managed to put up a solid offensive display, which has been typical of their high-scoring season. Holly Springs’ ability to remain composed in tough situations was evident in their play, as they capitalized on their chances and defended well.

Common Opponents and Their Respective Results

Both teams have faced common opponents throughout the season, and both have generally performed well. However, Holly Springs outshone Millbrook in these matchups. For example, both teams faced Panther Creek, Green Level, and Rolesville, with Holly Springs winning every encounter, while Millbrook recorded some wins and ties, but also suffered a loss. Notably, Millbrook had a tie and a loss against Rolesville, while Holly Springs won both their games against the same opponent.

Looking Ahead: Playoff Prospects

As the season heads into the playoffs, both teams have shown they can handle the pressure. Millbrook’s ability to perform on the road will be critical in their upcoming playoff matchups, while Holly Springs, with their dominant record, enters the postseason as one of the top contenders. Both teams have set themselves up for potential playoff success, but Holly Springs’ perfect conference record and overall dominance this season place them as the team to beat.

Conclusion

With their standout performances and high levels of play, Millbrook and Holly Springs have been two of the most exciting soccer teams in North Carolina this season. While Millbrook has demonstrated a strong offensive and defensive presence, Holly Springs’ dominance, especially in conference play, makes them the team to watch as the season progresses. Their rivalry and potential playoff matchup will surely be a thrilling conclusion to what has already been a remarkable season for both teams.