The St. John’s varsity soccer team (Shrewsbury, MA) will play a neutral-site playoff match against Newton North (Newtonville, MA) today. This game is part of the 2024 Massachusetts High School Boys Soccer Playoff Brackets for MIAA Division 1.

St. John’s vs Newton North Game Info:

What: Massachusetts High School Soccer Playoffs
Who: St. John’s vs Newton North
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: TBD
Bracket: 2024 Massachusetts High School Boys Soccer Playoff Brackets: MIAA – Division 1
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Game preview: St. John’s vs Newton North

As the 2024-2025 high school soccer season progresses, the teams of Newton North and St. John’s have demonstrated contrasting performances, yet their matchups against common opponents have highlighted some interesting parallels and disparities.

Team Records Overview

Newton North enters the season with a balanced overall record of 9-9-5, with a relatively modest league performance of 0-4-3. Their strength lies in their home games, where they have achieved a 3-4-3 record. Offensively, Newton North has scored 27 goals and allowed 26, demonstrating a nearly even goal differential.

On the other hand, St. John’s has proven to be a dominant force with a strong 17-5 overall record, including an impressive 7-2 league performance. Their offensive output of 58 goals compared to just 19 allowed speaks to a well-balanced and potent squad. With a 10-2 record at home, they have been tough to beat on their turf and have shown resilience on the road, with a 7-3 record away.

Scoring Averages & Game Styles

When comparing team scoring averages, Newton North and St. John’s show a clear difference in their offensive outputs. Newton North averages 1.2 goals per game, with an additional 4.0 goals per game in overtime and shootouts, suggesting they can be dangerous when the game goes beyond regulation time. Meanwhile, St. John’s averages a strong 2.6 goals per game, with consistent scoring through regulation and extra time, showcasing their offensive depth and ability to control the game.

Common Opponents and Results

Both teams faced a set of common opponents this season, with mixed results. Here’s a closer look at how both teams performed:

• Needham: Newton North suffered a narrow 1-0 loss at home, while St. John’s triumphed 1-0 on their home field.
• Brookline: Newton North earned two draws, 1-1, in their encounters, while St. John’s won both matchups, including a dominant 4-1 win away.
• Leominster: Newton North managed a 1-0 victory at home, while St. John’s fell 2-1 away.
• Xaverian Brothers: Newton North played to a 1-1 draw at home, whereas St. John’s secured a 3-1 win at home.

In total, Newton North posted a 2-1-2 record against common opponents, while St. John’s had a 3-2 record. This indicates St. John’s had a slight edge over the shared teams, particularly in head-to-head encounters.

Breakdown by Record Type

When we examine both teams’ records further, St. John’s shines particularly in league play and non-league games. Their 7-2 record in the league and strong 9-3 non-league performance showcase their consistency. Conversely, Newton North has struggled in league play with a 0-4-3 record but has been relatively competitive in non-league games, with an 8-5-2 record.

Interestingly, both teams are undefeated in their one playoff game of the season, with St. John’s winning 1-0 and Newton North also posting a 1-0 win.

Conclusion

As the season continues, the contrasting styles of Newton North and St. John’s are evident. While Newton North is still in the process of finding consistency in their league games, they have shown resilience and the potential to win tough matches. St. John’s, however, has established itself as a powerhouse with a balanced attack and solid defense, making them a strong contender in the state.

Both teams will likely be looking to build on their performances against common opponents and refine their play as the postseason approaches. The differences in their records, scoring averages, and performance against shared rivals provide a fascinating narrative for the remainder of the season.