The West Valley (Spokane, WA) varsity soccer team will play a neutral-site playoff match against Bellingham (WA) today at 12:15 p.m. for the 3rd/4th place game in the 2024 WIAA 2A State Playoffs.

West Valley vs Bellingham Game Info:

What: Washington High School Girls Scores Playoffs
Who: West Valley vs Bellingham
When: Saturday, November 23, 2024
Time: 12:15 p.m. ET
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Game preview: West Valley vs Bellingham

As the 2024-25 high school soccer season unfolds, two teams stand out: Bellingham and West Valley. Both teams have displayed exceptional skill and resilience, each making a statement in their respective leagues. With an undefeated district record and an impressive overall performance, they are poised for a showdown in what promises to be an exciting match.

Record Overview

Bellingham has compiled an overall record of 20-4, with a district record of 16-3. The team has shown significant strength at home, going 11-2, while securing a solid 8-1 away record. Their win percentage stands at a commendable .833, with a district win rate of .842. Scoring 81 goals and conceding just 20, Bellingham has proven themselves to be both offensive and defensively savvy.

On the other hand, West Valley has been nearly flawless with an incredible overall record of 20-1-1 and an unbeaten district record of 12-0. Their home record is dominant at 11-1, and their away performance is just as impressive with an 8-0-1 record. West Valley’s win percentage is a striking .932, and their district win percentage is 1.000. With a goal tally of 139 and only 7 goals conceded, West Valley’s defensive prowess has been a key factor in their success.

Team Strengths: Offense and Defense

Bellingham has demonstrated solid offensive capabilities, averaging 3.4 goals per game, with their star player Lauren Matthew leading the charge with 25 goals on the season. Meanwhile, Jenna Howe has contributed 15 assists, showcasing her playmaking ability. Defensively, Karlee Roderick has been outstanding, maintaining a perfect 0.00 goals against average, which has been crucial in their strong performance.

West Valley, however, has outpaced Bellingham in terms of offensive firepower, averaging a whopping 6.3 goals per game. Leading their charge is a dynamic offensive duo, while Karlee Roderick’s counterpart in goal has been equally as impressive. West Valley’s defensive efforts have been nothing short of spectacular, with only 7 goals conceded all season. The team’s Goals Against Average stands at a stellar 0.000, underscoring their solid defensive line.

Common Opponents

Both teams have had success against common opponents, with Bellingham boasting a 1-0 record and West Valley dominating their opponents with a 3-0 record. In the matchup with Pullman, Bellingham won 3-0 at home, while West Valley outclassed Pullman in an 8-0 victory on October 8th, followed by a 5-0 win on November 7th. This demonstrates West Valley’s more commanding dominance in their matchups.

Statistical Comparison

• Bellingham’s Record:
  • Overall: 20-4
  • District: 16-3
  • Goals: 81
  • Goals Against: 20
  • Goal Scoring Average: 3.4
• West Valley’s Record:
  • Overall: 20-1-1
  • District: 12-0
  • Goals: 139
  • Goals Against: 7
  • Goal Scoring Average: 6.3

Both teams have shown remarkable success in their respective leagues and against common opponents, but West Valley’s superior offensive output and near-perfect defensive record put them slightly ahead in terms of overall dominance.

Head-to-Head and Record Breakdown

While both teams have excelled, their head-to-head performance remains largely untested, as they have not yet faced off this season. However, their previous matchups against common opponents and their individual records suggest that the upcoming match could be a defining moment in the season. With Bellingham’s strong offensive threats and perfect goalkeeping, coupled with West Valley’s offensive powerhouse and rock-solid defense, this clash is shaping up to be a thrilling encounter.

Conclusion

As Bellingham and West Valley gear up for their upcoming contest, the stakes are high. Both teams are in top form, with West Valley’s defensive record being a key factor in their success and Bellingham’s balanced approach making them a formidable force. Soccer fans can expect a high-intensity match, with each team looking to assert their dominance and make a statement heading into the postseason.