As the fall high school soccer season continues to heat up, one match that promises to be a compelling and hard-fought contest is the clash between Away High School and Loch Raven High School on October 5, 2024. Scheduled to kick off at 2:00 AM GMT+6 (local time: 4:00 PM EDT, October 4, 2024), this game has captured the attention of high school soccer fans across the state of Maryland, and beyond.
In this detailed article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about this matchup, including how to watch the game live on TV or via streaming, an in-depth preview of both teams, key players to watch, team strategies, predictions, and much more.
How to Watch: TV and Streaming Information
For those unable to attend the game in person, there’s good news. The match between Away High School and Loch Raven High School will be available to watch live via the NFHS Network, the leading platform for high school sports coverage across the United States. Here’s how you can catch the action.
Viewing Options:
- Streaming: Available live on the NFHS Network (subscription required). The NFHS Network is the go-to platform for high school sports fans, offering live and on-demand coverage of a wide range of sports, including soccer.
- Kickoff Time: The game is set to begin at 2:00 AM GMT+6 (or 4:00 PM EDT, October 4, 2024, for local U.S. viewers).
- Replay Availability: Can’t watch live? No problem. Subscribers to the NFHS Network will also have access to game replays and highlights, so you can catch up on the action at your convenience.
The NFHS Network provides soccer fans with the perfect opportunity to follow high school teams from all over the country, whether it’s through live viewing or replays.
Match Preview: Away vs. Loch Raven
Away High School: A Team on the Rise
The Away High School soccer team has been making waves this season with a string of impressive performances. Under the guidance of their head coach, Mark Reynolds, Away High has developed into one of the more competitive sides in their division, showing resilience and tactical acumen in every match they play.
- Current Record: 7-3-1
- Coaching Philosophy: Coach Mark Reynolds has emphasized a strong balance between offense and defense, pushing his team to excel in both aspects of the game. Known for his tactical flexibility, Reynolds isn’t afraid to adjust the team’s approach based on the opponent they face, making them a versatile and unpredictable side.
- Notable Victories: Wins over tough opponents such as Eastern Tech and Hereford High School have solidified Away’s standing as a team to watch. Their ability to compete with top-tier programs has made them serious contenders as the season progresses.
Loch Raven High School: A Legacy of Success
On the other side of the field is Loch Raven High School, a soccer powerhouse that consistently competes at the highest level in Maryland’s high school soccer scene. With a rich history of success and strong player development, Loch Raven’s soccer team is known for their aggressive style of play and ability to adapt to different game situations.
- Current Record: 9-2-0
- Coaching Philosophy: Head coach Paul Taylor has built a well-drilled team that excels both in defense and attack. His team’s organization on the field is one of their strongest assets, as Loch Raven is known for maintaining a solid defensive structure while transitioning quickly into offense.
- Notable Victories: Loch Raven’s season has been highlighted by victories over teams like Towson High and Dulaney High, demonstrating their strength and consistency throughout the season.
Both teams come into this match with solid records and momentum on their side, setting the stage for what promises to be an intense and closely contested matchup.
Key Players to Watch
Both Away and Loch Raven boast a number of standout players who are expected to make a significant impact in this game. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key players to keep an eye on during this pivotal high school soccer showdown.
Away High School
- Midfielder: Caleb Turner (Senior)
- Position: Central Midfielder
- Strengths: Turner is the linchpin of Away’s midfield, with his sharp vision, excellent passing ability, and leadership on the pitch. His ability to control the tempo of the game and link play between defense and attack makes him one of the most influential players in this matchup.
- Impact: Turner’s role in breaking down Loch Raven’s organized defense will be key. His passing range and creativity will be vital in unlocking chances for Away’s forwards.
- Forward: Dylan Martinez (Junior)
- Position: Striker
- Strengths: Martinez is a lethal finisher with a natural instinct for goal. Leading the team with 12 goals this season, he has the ability to change the game with his clinical finishing and intelligent movement in the final third.
- Impact: Martinez’s ability to exploit spaces behind Loch Raven’s defense could prove to be a decisive factor. His speed and goal-scoring prowess make him a constant threat.
- Defender: Ethan Bradley (Senior)
- Position: Center Back
- Strengths: Bradley is the backbone of Away’s defense, known for his leadership and physicality. He excels in aerial battles and one-on-one situations, making him a key figure in stopping Loch Raven’s attacking players.
- Impact: Bradley will be tasked with neutralizing Loch Raven’s forwards, and his defensive performance will be crucial in keeping the scoreline close.
Loch Raven High School
- Forward: Marcus Anderson (Senior)
- Position: Striker
- Strengths: Anderson is Loch Raven’s top scorer, with 14 goals to his name this season. His combination of speed, strength, and technical ability makes him one of the most dangerous forwards in the state.
- Impact: Anderson’s goal-scoring ability will be key to Loch Raven’s chances of securing a victory. His movement off the ball and finishing skills make him a constant danger to any defense.
- Midfielder: Julian Carter (Junior)
- Position: Central Midfielder
- Strengths: Carter is the creative force in Loch Raven’s midfield, known for his excellent ball control, dribbling skills, and ability to pick out key passes. With 11 assists this season, he is instrumental in creating scoring opportunities for his team.
- Impact: Carter’s ability to unlock Away’s defense with his passing will be critical in dictating the flow of the game. He will be a player that Away’s midfield will need to shut down if they hope to control the game.
- Defender: Ryan Hughes (Senior)
- Position: Right Back
- Strengths: Hughes is a versatile defender who excels both in defense and attack. His ability to overlap and support Loch Raven’s wingers adds an extra dimension to their attack, while his defensive awareness makes him solid at the back.
- Impact: Hughes will play a key role in both defending against Away’s dangerous wide players and providing an outlet for Loch Raven’s counter-attacks.
Team Strengths and Weaknesses
Away High School
Strengths:
- Midfield Dominance: Away’s midfield, led by Caleb Turner, has been one of their biggest strengths this season. Their ability to control possession and dictate the pace of the game has allowed them to break down even the most well-organized defenses.
- Defensive Solidity: With a solid defensive unit anchored by Ethan Bradley, Away has conceded only 11 goals in 11 games. Their ability to stay compact and organized makes them difficult to break down.
- Attacking Depth: While Dylan Martinez is the focal point of their attack, Away has several other attacking options capable of stepping up when needed. This depth has helped them maintain consistent goal-scoring form throughout the season.
Weaknesses:
- Overreliance on Caleb Turner: While Turner’s performances have been excellent, Away tends to struggle when opponents focus on shutting him down. If Loch Raven can limit Turner’s influence, Away could find it difficult to build their attacks.
- Vulnerability to Counter-Attacks: Away’s possession-based style can leave them exposed to quick transitions. Teams that can absorb pressure and hit them on the break have had success in disrupting their game plan.
Loch Raven High School
Strengths:
- High Pressing Game: Loch Raven’s aggressive pressing style is one of their key strengths. By pressuring opponents high up the field, they force turnovers and create goal-scoring opportunities.
- Clinical Finishing: Marcus Anderson’s goal-scoring record speaks for itself. Loch Raven’s ability to capitalize on chances makes them one of the most dangerous attacking teams in the league.
- Defensive Organization: Loch Raven’s defense, led by Ryan Hughes, has been one of the most consistent units in the league. They’ve conceded only 9 goals in 11 matches, and their solid structure makes them difficult to break down.
Weaknesses:
- Dependence on Marcus Anderson: While Anderson is a prolific goal scorer, Loch Raven’s attack can become predictable if they rely too heavily on him. If Away’s defense can limit his chances, Loch Raven may struggle to find other sources of goals.
- Susceptibility to Possession-Based Teams: Teams that can control possession and move the ball quickly have had success against Loch Raven. If Away can dominate the midfield and retain possession, Loch Raven could find themselves chasing the game.
Game Strategies and Tactical Breakdown
Away High School’s Game Plan
- Control the Midfield: Away will aim to dominate possession and control the tempo of the game. Caleb Turner will be key in dictating play from midfield, and his ability to link defense and attack will be crucial in breaking down Loch Raven’s organized defense.
- Defensive Discipline: Against a high-pressing team like Loch Raven, Away’s defense will need to remain disciplined and compact. Ethan Bradley will need to organize the backline effectively to prevent Marcus Anderson from getting in behind.
- Exploit Wide Areas: Loch Raven’s aggressive pressing can leave space on the flanks, and Away should look to exploit this by using their wide players to stretch the field and create opportunities for crosses into the box.
Loch Raven High School’s Game Plan
- High Press: Loch Raven will look to disrupt Away’s possession-based style by pressing high up the field. If they can force turnovers in Away’s defensive third, they’ll create opportunities to score.
- Quick Transitions: Once they win the ball, Loch Raven will look to transition quickly from defense to attack. Julian Carter’s vision and passing ability will be crucial in releasing Marcus Anderson into dangerous positions.
- Physicality: Loch Raven should look to impose their physicality on the game, especially in midfield. By disrupting Away’s rhythm and making the game more physical, they can offset the technical superiority of players like Caleb Turner.
Betting Odds and Predictions
Prediction
This matchup between Away and Loch Raven is shaping up to be a thrilling contest between two teams with contrasting styles. Away’s possession-based approach will likely see them control large parts of the game, but Loch Raven’s high-pressing and clinical finishing could tilt the game in their favor.
In the end, Loch Raven’s ability to force turnovers and capitalize on chances might give them the edge, though it could be a tight game.
Final Score Prediction: Loch Raven 2, Away 1
Key Player: Marcus Anderson – His goal-scoring ability will likely be the deciding factor in what should be a closely fought game.
Betting Odds
- Moneyline: Loch Raven -130, Away +170
- Over/Under: 2.5 goals
- Prediction: Take Loch Raven on the moneyline and the under on 2.5 goals.
As Away High School takes on Loch Raven High School on October 5, 2024, fans can expect a riveting high school soccer match that could have significant implications for both teams as the season progresses. Whether you’re rooting for Away’s disciplined, possession-oriented play or Loch Raven’s relentless pressing and attacking style, this game promises excitement, intensity, and plenty of drama.
Make sure to tune in to the NFHS Network to catch all the action liv
