The Orcas Island varsity soccer team from Eastsound, WA, will face Providence Classical Christian from Kirkland, WA, in a neutral-site playoff match today at 3:00 PM. This game is part of the “2024 WIAA Boys Soccer State Championships (Washington) – 1B/2B” tournament.
Orcas Island vs Providence Classical Christian Game Info:
What: Washington High School Soccer Playoffs
Who: Orcas Island vs Providence Classical Christian
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 3:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 WIAA Boys Soccer State Championships (Washington) – 1B/2B
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Game preview: Orcas Island vs Providence Classical Christian
In what promises to be an exciting neutral-site playoff clash, Providence Classical Christian (Kirkland, WA) will face Orcas Island (Eastsound, WA) today at 3 PM. Both teams bring different strengths to the pitch, but the records, stats, and history between these squads suggest that fans are in for a thrilling contest.
Season in Review
Providence Classical Christian (2-2-1)
Providence Classical Christian (PCCHS) has had a modest season, showcasing a balanced attack with 11 goals scored and eight allowed across five games. The team’s win percentage of .500 highlights a season of close contests, including a key 3-2 victory over St. George’s in mid-November. However, their head-to-head results against Orcas Island have been less favorable, with two losses earlier this season.
Key player Joaquin Shanks Morales has been instrumental for PCCHS, leading the team with 18 goals and three assists. His ability to deliver in clutch moments will be critical if Providence aims to pull off an upset today.
Orcas Island (18-2)
Orcas Island, ranked first in the state for their class, enters the playoffs as heavy favorites. With a dominant 18-2 overall record and a stellar 9-0 mark in league play, the team has been nearly unstoppable. Their impressive 92 goals scored and only 14 conceded underscore their balanced dominance in both offense and defense.
In head-to-head matchups, Orcas Island has twice edged Providence, including a close 2-1 victory earlier this month in the conference tournament. This win solidified Orcas Island’s top seed and extended their momentum heading into the playoffs.
Scoring Trends and Comparison
- Providence Classical Christian: Averaging 2.2 goals per match, with 1.5 coming in the first half. They rely heavily on fast starts to gain the upper hand.
- Orcas Island: Averages a staggering 4.6 goals per match, with a balanced output of 2.0 in the first half and 1.8 in the second, showcasing their stamina and adaptability.
In two previous meetings this season, Orcas Island’s ability to finish strong has been the deciding factor. Providence took an early lead in the October match but couldn’t sustain it, ultimately falling 3-2.
Key Factors to Watch
- Joaquin Shanks Morales vs. Orcas Island Defense: Shanks Morales is Providence’s go-to scorer, but Orcas Island’s backline has proven resilient, conceding just 14 goals all season. His ability to break through their defense will be a game-changer.
- Orcas Island’s Depth and Consistency: With multiple goal-scoring threats and a high-powered offense, Orcas Island thrives on overwhelming opponents. Can Providence contain this firepower?
- Set Pieces and Late-Game Execution: In close matches like these, set pieces often tip the balance. Orcas Island has been particularly dangerous in the second half, a trend Providence will need to counter.
Head-to-Head History
The teams’ two earlier clashes this season both ended with Orcas Island victories, but by narrow margins:
- October 22: Orcas Island won 3-2 at Providence.
- November 7: Orcas Island edged out Providence 2-1 in the conference tournament.
These tight results suggest that Providence has the potential to keep the game close, but Orcas Island’s composure in decisive moments has been the difference.
Common Opponents
Both teams faced Mount Vernon Christian and St. George’s this season with mixed results. Notably, Providence secured a victory over St. George’s, which Orcas Island could not, hinting at Providence’s ability to compete at a high level when in form.
Prediction
While Providence has shown resilience and boasts a strong individual talent in Joaquin Shanks Morales, Orcas Island’s depth, superior record, and recent head-to-head success give them the edge. Expect a hard-fought match, but Orcas Island’s offensive firepower and defensive stability may prove too much for Providence to overcome.
Final Score Prediction: Orcas Island 3, Providence Classical Christian 1.
