Girls soccer: semifinal predictions

I’ve written an extensive semifinal preview that will be posted on the Deseret News website Thursday morning. But we can’t really start the semifinals without offering a few predictions.

I went 15-1 on my quarterfinal picks and I’m 33-7 overall. Naturally, I feel good about my chances at correctly predicting who will reach the four title games.

Time again to pull out the ol’ crystal ball:

4A semifinals –

Bonneville vs Woods Cross: This will be a good measuring stick to see just how far the Lakers have come. The Wildcats smoked Bonneville in the teams’ first meeting, then rallied from a 2-1 deficit to force a tie the second time around. Woods Cross has met with some criticism for being too centered around Nikki Fernandes. I don’t think stats really support that point of view, but its hard to convince some fans otherwise. Both teams are fairly even in talent, so it will go down to the final whistle here. I think the Lakers still have enough magic left for another surprise.

Prediction: Bonneville 2, Woods Cross 1

Bountiful vs Springville: So which scoring tandem is better: Felicia Sturgeon and Monica Okapal or Alexis Eaton and Natalie Young? It will be fun finding out. Both teams are coming into this game off consecutive shutouts. I don’t think we’ll see anything like that in this game. There will be plenty of scoring on both sides. This one could go either way based on talent. But the Braves have been at this stage plenty of times before and that will be the difference maker.

Prediction: Bountiful 3, Springville 2

5A semifinals –

Brighton vs Lone Peak: The first of our ’07 semifinal rematch doubleheader. I know Bengals fans probably don’t want me to pick Brighton and jinx them. They’ve won twice after I predicted a loss. Sorry to disappoint you, but I’m sold on the Bengals. Getting road victories over Lehi and Davis is not an easy feat. Brighton is solid offensively behind Jessica Ringwood and Stephanie Verdoia. Lone Peak is one of the best second half teams I’ve seen so far. But slow starts are going to be the Knights’ downfall. They needed rallies after trailing against Skyline and Viewmont. I don’t see them reaching a fourth consecutive title game if it happens with Brighton.

Prediction: Brighton 2, Lone Peak 1

Alta vs Timpanogs: The T-Wolves seem to be much stronger than the crew that got shellacked by the Hawks a year ago. Potent scorers. A solid defense. But that could also describe Alta to a tee. The Hawks have encountered little resistance in their first two games, winning by a combined 9-0 margin. Tashia Long, Natalie Norris, Mo Bridge and company seem to shine the most during playoff time. The game will be closer this time around, but not close enough for a Timpanogos upset. I sense a Brighton – Alta rematch in the finals.

Prediction: Alta 2, Timpanogos 0

3A semifinals —

Logan vs Waterford: I’m impressed with what I’ve seen from the Ravens this season. Waterford doesn’t have depth comparable to its 3A peers, but that first 11 rivals any team they’ll face in the postseason. The Ravens can score in bunches and have few opponents who can withstand it. Logan might be one team that can, though. The Grizzlies have won 10 straight and allowed only three goals in that stretch. Granted it is against weaker competition than what Waterford has faced, but its still impressive. Will it be enough to knock off the Ravens? I think so. But Logan will have to go 80+ minutes to do it.

Prediction: Logan 2, Waterford 1 (OT)

Park City vs Juan Diego: This will be a fantastic matchup. The Soaring Eagle are counting on 3A’s best scoring defense to slow down the likes of Hanna Terry and Lindsi Lisonbee. It won’t be easy. Terry already has eight goals in the playoffs and is the leading scorer in 3A by a significant margin. U of U coaches have to be drooling over the prospect of her lighting up the scoreboard for the Utes next fall. Juan Diego probably wishes she was there already. Terry and Lisonbee will be too much for the Soaring Eagle.

Prediction: Park City 3, Juan Diego 1

2A semifinals —

Millard vs Rowland Hall: It is the rematch of the ’07 championship game. You can bet the Eagles are up for this one. The Winged Lions destroyed their unbeaten season and state title hopes in one swoop with a dramatic shootout victory. Given Rowland Hall’s troubles in containing a similarly high powered offense with St. Joseph, the timing for revenge is perfect.

Prediction: Millard 5, Rowland Hall 1

Beaver vs St. Joseph: The Jayhawks thoroughly dismantled the Beavers in the preseason, beating them 8-0. Beaver has looked stronger since that time, with its only region losses coming against Millard. But while the Beavers have improved, it’s difficult to slow a team averaging 7.9 goals per game. In other words, whatever dam Beaver tries to construct to impede St. Joseph will probably burst.

Prediction: St. Joseph 7, Beaver 0

Disagree with my picks? E-mail me yours or post them below.