FINALS MATCHUPS (According to the recent rotation, Upperstate representatives will host)
4A: Northwestern v. Spring Valley
*In what is arguably becoming the fiercest rivalry in high school soccer, the Trojans and Vikings meet for the third consecutive year in the state finals. These two teams have played three times since 2006, with each game being decided by one goal. Northwestern, led by two-time state player of the year Enzo Martinez, have not lost since their mid-season meeting with the Vikings. Spring Valley, one of the nation's top squads, comes into the finals with a perfect regular-season record and hopes of finishing off the year with an undefeated 2008 campaign, and a #1 national ranking.
3A: Riverside v. Chapin
*Both squads overcame tough, hard-fought semifinal matchups to earn a berth in Saturday's game at Stone Stadium. Riverside hopes to finish this season as they did in 2006, as they defeated Dreher 2-1 for the state championship. Chapin comes into this year's championship finale with an 11-game winning streak, and are making their first finals appearance since their 2003 title, while members of the 2A classification.
2A: Emerald v. Bishop England
*Emerald appears to be playing their best soccer of the 2008 season, coming into their matchup with Bishop England having yet to concede a goal in the playoffs. They last captured a championship in 2004 against the Bishops at Memorial Field in Columbia. Bishop England has been ranked at the top of 2A soccer for three consecutive years and comes into Saturday's match hoping to claim yet another title for their rapidly growing collection. A roster led by 4 all-state players, the Bishops have yet to lose to 2A competition since the 2004 championship match, and they will certainly be looking to continue their streak.
1A: Christ Church v. Academic Magnet
Christ Church finds their way into the championship match this year having defeated Southside Christian, a side who defeated them twice earlier in the year. A 2-1 winner in last year's final, CCES will be looking for redemption yet again as the Raptors defeated them earlier this year. Academic Magnet, fresh off of their 4-0 victory over the Governor's School, have not given up a goal since their April meeting with this Christ Church squad. Having lost the last two years in the semifinals to Lincoln, the Raptors are making their first finals appearance since an overtime loss to CCES in 2005.
Predictions:
4A: Spring Valley
3A: Chapin
2A: Bishop England
1A: Academic Magnet
Spring Valley (56%, 45 Votes)
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Northwestern (44%, 35 Votes)
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Chapin (67%, 53 Votes)
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Riverside (33%, 26 Votes)
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Bishop England (79%, 62 Votes)
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Emerald (21%, 16 Votes)
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Academic Magnet (56%, 44 Votes)
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Christ Church (44%, 34 Votes)
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