The Mullen High School varsity soccer team from Denver, CO, will face off against Silver Creek High School from Longmont, CO, in a neutral playoff match today at 5:00 PM at JeffCo Trailblazer Stadium. This game is part of the 2024 CHSAA Boys Soccer State Championships for Class 4A.

Silver Creek vs Mullen Soccer Match Info:

What: Colorado High School Soccer
Who: Silver Creek vs Mullen
When: Wednesday, November 13, 2024
Time: 5:00 p.m.
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Match preview: Silver Creek vs Mullen

As Silver Creek and Mullen High Schools gear up for a pivotal soccer showdown, the stage is set for a thrilling contest between two high-achieving teams. Both have put up impressive performances this season, and their records highlight their strengths in Colorado’s competitive high school soccer landscape. Here’s a comprehensive look at the match stats, player contributions, and what to expect from this anticipated clash.

Team Rankings and Standings

Silver Creek:

• National Ranking: 282
• Colorado (CO) State Ranking: 11
• Class Ranking: 5
• Overall Record: 12-2-3
• League Record: 5-0-2
• Win Percentage: .794

Mullen:

• National Ranking: 195
• Colorado (CO) State Ranking: 6
• Class Ranking: 1
• Overall Record: 14-2-2
• League Record: 4-2-1
• Win Percentage: .833

Mullen has the edge in rankings, holding a higher national position and topping their class in Colorado. However, Silver Creek’s dominance in league play (5-0-2) reflects their consistency and resilience.

Offensive and Defensive Stats

When it comes to scoring, Silver Creek has netted 53 goals with 44 assists across the season, closely matched by Mullen’s 51 goals and 41 assists. Defensively, Silver Creek’s goals-against average (2.166) is slightly higher than Mullen’s (1.733), indicating that Mullen has a stronger backline. However, Silver Creek boasts more shots overall, with 335 attempts.

Team Scoring Averages:

• Silver Creek: 1.7 goals in the first half, 1.3 in the second, and 1.0 in overtime, for an average of 3.1 goals per game.
• Mullen: 1.4 goals in the first half and 1.5 in the second, averaging 2.9 goals per game.

This suggests Silver Creek has a slight scoring advantage, especially in extended play, but Mullen’s consistency across halves makes them a tough competitor.

Key Players to Watch

Silver Creek:

• Ryan Courtney (#14): 8 goals and 67 shots, leading the Silver Creek offense.
• Rien Pacaro (#11): Key playmaker with 11 assists, a crucial asset in midfield.
• Cooper Preston (#1): With a 2.154 goals-against average, he anchors Silver Creek’s defense in goal.

Mullen:

• Rocco Manerbino: With 9 goals, he leads Mullen’s attack.
• Andrew Sedita: A top assister with 16 assists, helping drive Mullen’s midfield play.
• Ethan Desmarteau: Strong presence in goal, with a 1.624 goals-against average, providing Mullen a defensive edge.

Common Opponent: Centaurus

Both teams have faced Centaurus, with Mullen securing a victory (2-1) on September 12, while Silver Creek ended in a scoreless tie in October and later triumphed 2-1 in November. These results show Mullen’s slight advantage against shared opponents, but Silver Creek’s late-season win against Centaurus could be a positive sign of momentum heading into this match.

Home and Away Performance

Silver Creek has a robust home record (9-1), while Mullen has shown remarkable strength on the road with a 6-1-1 away record. Since neither team will have a home advantage, it will be intriguing to see how both adapt to the neutral setting.

Playoff Records

Both teams have excelled in playoff matches with identical records of 3-0. This winning record under high-pressure situations adds a layer of excitement, as each team is experienced in handling playoff intensity.

Prediction and Key Takeaways

With strong players on both sides, Mullen’s superior defensive stats and their slight edge in the rankings make them the favorites in this matchup. However, Silver Creek’s offensive resilience and balanced scoring across halves could disrupt Mullen’s plans. Watch for an intense, close game where the outcome could hinge on a standout performance from either side’s key players, particularly in goal.

This game promises to be a showcase of skill, strategy, and competitive spirit as Silver Creek and Mullen battle for supremacy.