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

Asheboro vs. Northwest Cabarrus: 2024 NCHSAA 3A Playoff Preview

The stage is set for an exciting playoff clash in the 2024 NCHSAA Men’s Soccer Championships – 3A tournament, as the Asheboro varsity soccer team prepares to host Northwest Cabarrus in a highly anticipated matchup. This game, taking place at Asheboro’s home field, promises to be a thrilling contest with both teams bringing impressive records to the table. Let’s break down what to expect as these two teams battle for a spot in the next round.

Rankings and Records

• Northwest Cabarrus enters the game ranked 2,190th nationally and 176th in North Carolina, with a 12-6-5 overall record and a 9-4-3 conference record. Their solid record shows they’ve had a competitive season, but their performance has been somewhat inconsistent with five draws and six losses.
• Asheboro, on the other hand, is ranked 230th nationally and 25th in North Carolina, boasting a 23-2 overall record and a 10-0 perfect conference record. Their dominance throughout the season, particularly in conference play, has been evident, with only two losses and a perfect conference record.

Offensive Strengths

• Northwest Cabarrus averages 1.8 goals per game, with a steady offense led by Justyce Page (#6), who has contributed 9 goals and 6 assists. Their scoring average is spread fairly evenly, with no standout offensive surge in either half of their matches.
• Asheboro has been a scoring powerhouse, averaging 5.8 goals per game. Their offense is explosive, with Cam Letterlough (#8) leading the charge with an astonishing 69 goals and Diego Bustamante (#0) adding 28 assists. Asheboro’s offensive depth and consistency make them a formidable opponent in this matchup.

Defensive Comparison

• Northwest Cabarrus has allowed 33 goals this season, resulting in a goals-against average of just 0.000, though this metric suggests that their defense has had some gaps that have allowed for goals against them in the course of play.
• Asheboro has dominated on the defensive end as well, allowing only 41 goals this season and boasting a nearly flawless defense to match their offensive dominance.

Key Players to Watch

• Justyce Page (#6) from Northwest Cabarrus has been their top scorer with 9 goals and 6 assists this season. He will be crucial in trying to break down Asheboro’s defense and generate offensive opportunities.
• For Asheboro, Cam Letterlough (#8) has been exceptional, leading the team with 69 goals and 134 assists, making him the focal point of their attack. In addition, Diego Bustamante (#0) has been a key playmaker with 28 assists.

Record Breakdown

• Northwest Cabarrus enters with a 12-6-5 overall record, including a 9-4-3 conference record. While their overall performance has been strong, their 5 losses and 5 draws show some inconsistency.
• Asheboro has been nearly perfect with a 23-2 overall record and a 10-0 record in conference play, dominating both home and away games. Their offensive production and solid defense have made them one of the top teams in the state.

Common Opponents

Both teams have played against strong opposition throughout the season, but they did not face any common opponents this year. Despite this, Asheboro’s dominant performance in the Central Carolina Conference and overall record makes them a tough team to beat.

Playoff Readiness

• Northwest Cabarrus enters the playoffs with solid offensive threats and a defense that will need to step up against one of the state’s most potent attacks. Their ability to capitalize on set plays and maintain consistency will be key to advancing.
• Asheboro has been dominant all season, and their combination of offensive firepower and solid defense will make them the favorites heading into this match. However, the team will need to stay focused and avoid complacency to avoid an upset.

Summary

As Asheboro hosts Northwest Cabarrus in this exciting 2024 NCHSAA Men’s Soccer Championships – 3A tournament matchup, the game will be a battle between a high-scoring team and a solid, competitive opponent. With Asheboro’s explosive offense and perfect conference record, they will likely head into the match as the favorites. But Northwest Cabarrus will be looking to upset the higher-seeded team, relying on their top scorer, Justyce Page, to lead the charge. This promises to be an exciting and intense playoff showdown.