PREP PREVIEW | Regional soccer
Boys
Division II
Who: Mooney (15-3-1) vs. Cuyahoga Falls Christian Academy (14-1-3).
When: 7 p.m. today.
Where: Broadview Heights High, Brecksville.
Scouting report: This is the seventh straight regional appearance for the Cardinals, who defeated Howland 1-0 in overtime in the district final and finished sixth in the final coaches poll. Mooney is 5-1 in regional semifinal games and has reached the state championship game three times, winning in 2002 in Div. II. Last year, Mooney lost 2-1 to Wickliffe in the Div. III regional final. Mooney’s offense is led by Matt McWilson (16 goals) and Joe Merlo (eight goals). CVCA finished second behind Columbus DeSales in the final coaches poll. The Royals defeated Mooney 2-0 in late September, although the Cardinals were banged up at the time. CVCA’s Matt Mason had 15 goals, including eight game-winners, and 10 assists during the regular season. The Royals won the Div. III state title in 2004 and finished second in 2002. They haven’t lost more than two games in a season the last four years.
Division III
Who: Gates Mills Hawken (15-1-2) vs. Badger (17-0-1).
When: 7 p.m. today.
Where: Ravenna High School.
Scouting report: Badger finished seventh in the final coaches poll. Hawken was third. Badger is led by Lee Matson (23 goals this season), Sam Miller (13) and Jeff Ashcroft (12). Miller had two goals in the district final, a 4-0 win over Crestview. Marcus Heath and Matson each added one.
Girls
Division II
Who: Shaker Heights Hathaway Brown (16-3-1) vs. Mooney (12-1-5).
When: 7 p.m. Wednesday.
Where: Ravenna High School.
Scouting report: Mooney, which beat Lakeview 4-1 in the district final, was fourth in the final coaches poll. Hathaway Brown, an all-girls school, was fifth. The Blazers, who beat Laurel 3-1 in their district final, defeated Mooney 3-0 in late August. Mooney’s offense is led by Katie Griswold (who had two goals against Lakeview) and Ashley Cuba, while Meagan McLaughlin has been terrific in goal. Mooney lost regional semifinal games the last two years, 1-0 to Holy Name a year ago and 2-1 to Bay Village in 2005. Hathaway Brown lost in last year’s regional semifinal to Mentor Lake Catholic, 2-1 in overtime.
Vindicator staff report