The Scotch Plains-Fanwood Raiders (15-1-1) varsity soccer team from Scotch Plains, NJ, will face off against the East Side Red Raiders (10-5-1) from Newark, NJ, in a neutral playoff match today, Tuesday, November 12, 2024. This game is part of the “2024 New Jersey High School Boys Soccer Playoff Brackets: NJSIAA – North Jersey Section 2 Group 4” tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: New Jersey High School Soccer Playoffs
Who: Scotch Plains-Fanwood vs East Side
When: Tuesday, November 12, 2024
Time: TBD
Bracket: 2024 New Jersey High School Boys Soccer Playoff Brackets: NJSIAA – North Jersey Section 2 Group 4
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Game preview: Scotch Plains-Fanwood vs East Side

The high school soccer season is reaching a critical stage, and fans are buzzing about the upcoming showdown between East Side and Scotch Plains-Fanwood. Both teams boast impressive records and strong performances, but a deeper dive into their season stats reveals intriguing contrasts that could shape the outcome of their match.

Rankings & Records Overview

• East Side (2024-25)
  • National Rank: 816
  • State Rank (NJ): 45
  • Division Rank: 6
  • Overall Record: 10-5-1
  • League Record: 1-1-1
  • Home Record: 5-3-1
  • Away Record: 4-2
  • Neutral Record: 1-0
  • Winning Percentage: .656
  • League Winning Percentage: .500
  • Goals For: 36
  • Goals Against: 27
• Scotch Plains-Fanwood (2024-25)
  • National Rank: 102
  • State Rank (NJ): 4
  • Division Rank: 1
  • Overall Record: 15-1-1
  • League Record: 2-0
  • Home Record: 8-0
  • Away Record: 7-1-1
  • Winning Percentage: .912
  • League Winning Percentage: 1.000
  • Goals For: 61
  • Goals Against: 17

Team Scoring Averages

When it comes to putting points on the board, Scotch Plains-Fanwood has a distinct advantage. They average 5.3 goals in the first half, with a total average of 3.6 goals per game. East Side, meanwhile, scores a modest 1.0 goal in the first half and averages 2.3 goals overall. This disparity underscores Scotch Plains-Fanwood’s potent attack and East Side’s more methodical approach to finding the net.

Common Opponent Analysis

Examining performances against common opponents reveals further differences in team form. East Side has a 1-2 record against mutual adversaries, while Scotch Plains-Fanwood is undefeated at 3-0. Key matchups include:

• Montclair: East Side fell 5-1 on September 12, while Scotch Plains-Fanwood secured a narrow 3-2 victory on September 9.
• Elizabeth: East Side suffered a 2-1 defeat on September 14, but Scotch Plains-Fanwood managed a 1-0 win on September 24.
• Union City: East Side triumphed 3-2 on October 4, while Scotch Plains-Fanwood dominated 4-0 on September 7.

Head-to-Head and Playoff Readiness

Neither team has faced each other yet this season, adding an element of unpredictability to their meeting. However, Scotch Plains-Fanwood’s perfect league record and superior overall performance suggest they are favorites. Their home dominance (8-0) contrasts sharply with East Side’s mixed home results (5-3-1).

Playoff experience also weighs in Scotch Plains-Fanwood’s favor. They have excelled in high-pressure games, with a flawless 2-0 playoff record. East Side, though resilient, has yet to prove itself in that context.

In-State and Out-of-State Performance

Both teams have faced only in-state competition, making them well-versed in the local landscape. East Side’s record stands at 10-5-1 in New Jersey play, while Scotch Plains-Fanwood remains formidable with a 15-1-1 in-state record.

Key Takeaways

The matchup between East Side and Scotch Plains-Fanwood will likely be a tale of contrasting styles. East Side will rely on its structured defense and opportunistic scoring, while Scotch Plains-Fanwood aims to continue its offensive onslaught. Fans can expect a thrilling battle where the slightest tactical adjustment could make the difference.

With Scotch Plains-Fanwood’s high-scoring offense and East Side’s solid, yet sometimes inconsistent, defense, soccer enthusiasts are eagerly waiting to see if East Side can rise to the challenge or if Scotch Plains-Fanwood will solidify its dominance. Either way, this matchup promises to be a must-watch event on the high school soccer calendar.