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The Ardrey Kell Knights (16-3-2 and No. 8 in the Sweet 16 poll) seem to have shaken off their regular season-ending loss to Providence and have won two straight games, including a 3-1 win at formerly unbeaten SW Guilford (21-1-3). Coach Jeff Mercado says his players relish the opportunity of playing in front of a hostile crowd. They will need all that toughness this Wednesday as they travel to undefeated Greensboro Page (18-0-2).
No. 2 Myers Park (15-2-3) earned a convincing 3-0 win against NW Guilford to advance to a home match versus perennial state power Grimsley (17-4-1). The Mustangs scored their first goal 30 seconds into the match with NW Guilford (14-5-3). They controlled the ball more, easily handled any offensive threats, were dangerous on restart situations and got lots of chances to score.
Another huge match is 21-1-1 TC Roberson (Asheville) at I-Meck champion No. 7 North Mecklenburg (17-4-2). In their 11 game win streak, coach Paul Kikta's Vikings have given up only two goals. Strong defense can be the key factor in winning playoff games - North has not scored more than two goals in any game in that long winning streak.
A big 3A match is No. 1 Catholic (20-1-3) at No. 4 Concord Robinson (20-2-1). This could be a high scoring affair - these teams have combined for 251 goals. However, frequently in these games, teams prepare so much to stop the other team from scoring that they are not as high scoring as one would expect. The winner will face either No. 5 Marvin Ridge (18-2-1) or Concord (14-7-1) in the regional semi-final.
In the 2A bracket, No. 10 Shelby (19-3-1) and No. 9 Salisbury (22-1-1) could be headed to a regional semifinal game Saturday, if they can get by Cuthbertson (16-4-1) and East Lincoln (18-6-1).
Congratulations to Garinger and coach Brian Freeland for their playoff victory. The team, which has made dramatic strides in the last couple years, features players from eight different countries. Coach Freeland lauded the performances of Ed Wright, Steven Tamba and Allen Sedjic, who broke the school career assist record with 33.
