After the second round of girls soccer postseason play, three area teams remain in contention for state championships.
Allison Breed (left) and Oxbridge Academy will travel to Miami Friday to play Carrollton in a Class 2A regional championship game. The winner advances to the state semifinals. (2016 Post file photo)
Oxbridge Academy and Boca Raton worked overtime to win their regional semifinal contests Tuesday, while Saint John Paul II Academy defeated Lake Worth Christian 2-0. All three will play Friday, with state semifinals berths on the line.
Here’s our preview. All games kick off at 7 p.m. unless noted.
Class 5A
Vero Beach (15-2-1) at Boca Raton (23-0): The Bobcats will put their unbeaten streak on the line – again – in what should be at tight game with longtime girls soccer power Vero Beach. The Indians advanced to the state semifinals last season, and will be eager to get back. Boca Raton played a close semifinals contest, needing a header by Dayana Martin – her 37th of the season – to outlast Wellington 3-2 in double overtime. Vero Beach had an easier time in its semifinal, shutting out Harmony 4-0. The Indians have scored seven goals in their past two regional games, while the Bobcats have totaled six. Boca Raton gets the home game here, and that could be enough of an edge.
Prediction: Boca Raton 2-1
Class 2A
Oxbridge Academy (12-1-2) at Miami-Carrollton (15-3-3), 4 p.m.: This will be the second regional finals appearance for the ThunderWolves during the past four seasons, and Oxbridge hopes to make the most of it. The ThunderWolves have played two tough regional games, beating North Broward Prep 1-0 in the quarterfinals and American Heritage 2-1 on penalty kicks Tuesday, and face another big hurdle in the Cyclones. Carrollton, with sisters Alexis, Michelle and Annie Diaz-Silveir leading the way, haven’t lost since Dec. 5. Junior Allison Breed continues to stand out at forward for Oxbridge, scoring two goals and adding two big penalty kicks Tuesday, while sophomore goalie Merissa Chu made two late saves in the shootout to preserve the win.
Prediction: Oxbridge Academy 1-0
Class 1A
Saint John Paul II Academy (16-6-2) at Lakeland Christian (17-4-2): The Eagles could have their hands full with the Vikings, a perennial girls soccer power that advanced to the state semifinals last season and made the state championship game in 2014 and 2015. Lakeland Christian won its two regional playoff games by a combined 7-0, and gets the home game here. But the Eagles expect to challenge. Saint John Paul II Academy won its district, and shut out Lake Worth Christian Tuesday to earn a regional championship berth.
Prediction: Lakeland Christian 2-0
