Exciting matchups likely during postseason action

The postseason begins next week and there are plenty of great boys soccer teams in the area. Let’s take a look ahead to what districts should hold exciting matches.

Division I: Rocky River District

Avon is the obvious favorite with the No. 1 seed, as they are also currently ranked No. 9 in the state in Division I. The scoring attack of seniors Will Sharer and Daniel Minotti is difficult for teams to defend. Sharer scored his 17th goal of the season against Elyria on Oct. 6. The play of keeper Dylan Morris has been excellent, posting six shutouts on the year.

If the Eagles win, they can potentially play Strongsville in the district semifinal. It will be an intriguing matchup after Strongsville knocked off Avon in the sectional final in the Rocky River District in 2013. Avon defeated Strongsville earlier in the season, 3-2.

Westlake, which is the No. 2 seed in the district, is look- ing to redeem itself after losing to Avon Lake in the Rocky River district final in 2013. A good test before the postseason for Westlake is its final regular season game against Bay on Oct. 11.

Don’t count out BereaMidpark in the district. With the No. 3 seed, the Titans have been on a fantastic streak, winning eight in a row as of Oct. 7. If Berea-Midpark and Westlake win their respective games, they will meet in the district semifinal. The Titans have a leg up on the Demons, winning 4-1 in a previous Southwestern Conference matchup on Sept. 24.

Division II: Rocky River District

After a tremendous run in 2013, Bay is looking to cap off the season with a state final appearance.

The Rockets lost in the state semifinal last season, but have the ability to make another deep tournament run.

Bay, which is currently ranked No. 2 in the state, has a remarkable defense, allowing 12 total goals in 14 games this season (0.86 goals against average). Its offense is solid and unselfish, scoring goals on 43 assists.

Five players have tallied at least 12 total points. Dan Linhart leads the team with 25 total points (10 goals, five assists), followed by Noah Beck (eight goals, two assists) and Mark Comienski (seven goals, four assists) with 18 points.

A great matchup that could happen is a district final between Rocky River and Bay. The last time the two teams met, the match resulted in a 0-0 tie.

Division trict

At 12-2-1 as of Oct. 7, Norwalk is the No. 4 seed heading in to the district. If the Truckers can get past Clyde and Upper Sandusky (the No. 3 seed), they have a shot at making the district final.

A hypothetical district semifinal can result in Norwalk playing Bellville Clearfork, Ontario or Port Clinton. Norwalk lost to Clearfork, 1-0, in the first match of the season and lost to Port Clinton, 2-0, on Sept. 17. Norwalk has beaten Ontario twice this season. A rematch in store

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II: Clyde

Dis-

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

(4)

(7)

(3)

(6)

(5)

(8)

(9)

10.

(1) Bay

Norwalk 12-2-1

Westlake

Elyria Catholic

Rocky River 9-2-3

Oberlin 11-3-2

Firelands 7-4-3

Brookside

(NR) Edison 9-5-1

10-4

7-4-3

Crop comments: Avon moves to No. 1, being ranked No. 9 in the state and the only team in the West Shore Conference with no losses. ... Westlake jumps three after going 4-2 in its last six games. ... Elyria Catholic drops after going 1-3 in its past four games. ... Edison jumps into the rankings after winning nine of its past 11 games.

(Records as of Oct. 6).

7-6 between the three teams could be enticing.