The Van Horn (Independence, MO) varsity soccer team is set to play a neutral-site playoff match against Ladue Horton Watkins (St. Louis, MO) today. This game is part of the 2024 Missouri High School Boys Soccer Playoffs, MSHSAA Class 3 bracket.

Van Horn vs Ladue Horton Watkins Game Info:

What: Missouri High School Soccer Playoffs
Who: Van Horn vs Ladue Horton Watkins
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: TBD
Bracket: 2024 Missouri High School Boys Soccer Playoff Brackets: MSHSAA – Class 3
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Game preview: Van Horn vs Ladue Horton Watkins

The 2024-25 season has been an exciting one for Missouri high school soccer, with Ladue Horton Watkins and Van Horn standing out as two strong contenders. Despite their differences in rankings and records, both teams have demonstrated commendable skill and determination throughout the season. Let’s take a deeper dive into the numbers and what they reveal about these teams.

Rankings & Standings

Van Horn currently edges Ladue Horton Watkins in both national and state rankings, coming in at 334th nationally and 14th in Missouri, compared to Ladue’s 201st nationally and 7th in the state. These rankings align with Van Horn’s superior win percentage (.833 vs. Ladue’s .760) and more dominant district record (2-0 for Van Horn, 0-1 for Ladue).

Season Records

Both teams boast impressive overall records:

• Ladue Horton Watkins: 19-6
• Van Horn: 20-4

Van Horn’s ability to remain undefeated in league play (2-0) is particularly noteworthy compared to Ladue’s 0-1 district record. Additionally, Van Horn shows consistent strength in playoff games, securing a perfect 1-0 record, which matches Ladue’s performance in the playoffs.

Performance by Location

Ladue has excelled at home, holding an 11-4 record, while Van Horn has been slightly less dominant at home with a 5-1 record. However, Van Horn has been a stronger force on the road, with an impressive 9-2 away record compared to Ladue’s 7-2.

Neutral site games also lean in Van Horn’s favor, where they’ve posted a 6-1 record, showing their adaptability and mental toughness in unfamiliar settings.

Scoring Analysis

Offensively, Van Horn has been more prolific, averaging 3.5 goals per game compared to Ladue’s 2.5 goals per game. Interestingly, Van Horn’s scoring tends to ramp up in the second half, averaging 1.0 goals compared to 0.3 in the first. Ladue, on the other hand, sees a more balanced scoring effort with 1.0 goals in the first half and 0.8 in the second.

Defensively, Van Horn also holds an edge, conceding only 24 goals throughout the season compared to Ladue’s 28. This defensive solidity complements their offensive firepower, making them a formidable team.

Common Ground and Playoff Implications

While the teams haven’t faced each other directly or shared a common opponent this season, their similar success in playoffs suggests a potential showdown could be thrilling. Both teams will need to bring their A-game, with Ladue relying on home-field advantage and Van Horn leaning on their consistent road performance.

Final Thoughts

Both Ladue Horton Watkins and Van Horn have had remarkable seasons, each showcasing unique strengths. Ladue’s success at home and balanced scoring approach make them a tough opponent, while Van Horn’s scoring prowess and ability to win in various conditions make them a strong favorite. Should these two teams meet in the postseason, fans can expect a high-stakes clash that could go down to the wire.