Girls soccer: Region quarterfinals preview

By DAVID MURPHY
Published January 23, 2008

Among the more interesting subplots for the first round of the state girls soccer tournament is the potential for a host of rematches. If, as expected, Mitchell and Countryside win, they'll meet in a rematch of Friday's Class 6A, District 7 championship, won by Mitchell 1-0. Here's a look at all five area teams that will be in action Thursday. All games begin at 7 p.m.

Class 6A

Mitchell vs. Sarasota Riverview

How they got here: The Mustangs beat Countryside 1-0 in the Class 6A, District 7 championship. Riverview was runnerup in 6A-8.

Need to know: Teams from 6A-7 have fared well in the state tournament. Mitchell has won at least one game every time it has made the postseason, including 2005, when it advanced to the region finals. Riverview is 0-5 all-time, its last loss coming in 2006.

What's next: Winner faces Sarasota or Countryside in region semifinals.

Class 5A

River Ridge vs. Newsome

How they got here: River Ridge beat Land O'Lakes 1-0 for the 5A-7 title. Newsome was runnerup in 5A-8.

Need to know: River Ridge, which has lost its last three playoff games by a combined score of 20-1, faces yet another tough test. Newsome has advanced to the region finals three straight years. River Ridge senior Deana Rossi has 29 goals and sophomore Mikaela Morolla has 25.

What's next: Winner faces either 5A-8 winner Bloomingdale or 5A-7 runnerup Land O'Lakes.

Land O'Lakes at Bloomingdale

How they got here: LOL lost to River Ridge 1-0 in the 5A-7 title game. Bloomingdale beat Newsome for the 5A-8 title.

Need to know: After a 3-7-2 start, the Gators won nine of their last 11 to secure their ninth consecutive state tournament berth. But the Gators will be hard-pressed to knock off a Bloomingdale squad making its ninth straight playoff appearance. In six of those years, the Bulls advanced to the region finals. Land O'Lakes is led by Amanda Goble (11 goals, three assists) and keeper Tara Marshall (1.52 GAA, nine shutouts).

What's next: Winner faces either 5A-7 champion River Ridge or 5A-8 runnerup Newsome.

Class 4A

Hudson vs. Eustis

How they got here: Hudson beat Springstead 1-0 on penalty kicks in the 4A-8 final. Eustis lost to Bishop Moore in the 4A-7 final.

Need to know: Neither team is a traditional soccer powers. Hudson made its first playoff appearance last season, losing in the first round. Eustis, meanwhile, is just 1-3 all-time, its first win coming last season. Hudson has a pair of 20-goal scorers in Lindsay Zullo (25) and Alicia Schuering (22)

What's next: Winner faces 4A-8 runnerup Springstead or 4A-7 champion Bishop Moore.

Springstead at Bishop Moore

How they got here: Springstead lost to Hudson 1-0 on penalty kicks in the 4A-8 title game. Bishop Moore beat Eustis for the 4A-7 crown.

Need to know: Springstead is 0-6 in the postseason and has been outscored 14-1, mostly because it continues to run into powerhouses like Bishop Moore, the defending state champion. The Eagles have had most of their success this season thanks to stout defense and outscoring opponents 63-14. Keeper Jennifer Defrancesco has a 0.58 GAA and 16 shutouts. The Eagles' leading scorer is Taylor McKinney (18 goals, three assists). Ashley Walker has 13 goals and 10 assists.

What's next: Winner faces 4A-8 champion Hudson or 4A-7 runnerup Eustis.

David Murphy, Times staff writer

[Last modified January 22, 2008, 21:08:21]