Class B Championship Previews

Class B Boys – Omaha Skutt vs. Lexington – Wednesday, May 19th @ 8:00 PM

Omaha Skutt Catholic – #1 Seed (20-1)

Road To The Finals

  • Quarterfinals – Defeated Platteview 10-0
  • Semifinals – Defeated Bennington 3-1

Key Players

  • #0 Zach Weis – Senior goalkeeper that has allowed just three goals in 21 appearances. The Nebraska Wesleyan commit is a leader in the net and a major impacter on the game. Weis has excellent hands, quality distribution, and the confidence to play keeper at a high level.
  • #1 Andrew Davidson – Senior midfielder that controls the game from his central position. Davidson has accumulated 9 goals and 15 assists this season. He is a consistent threat that has scored or assisted in every game this season.
  • #4 Caleb Vos – Another Nebraska Wesleyan commit. Vos will be taking his impressive footwork, motor, and soccer IQ to the next level. He is exciting to watch as he runs the lanes on the side of the field. 10 goals and 11 assists on the season.
  • #10 John Meyers – Senior defender that has been a stable force on the backline. Meyers has partnered with his fellow defenders to allow only 3 goals this season.

Lexington – #2 Seed (20-1)

Road To The Finals

  • Quarterfinals – Defeated South Sioux City 2-0
  • Semifinals – Defeated Mount Michael Benedictine 1-0

Key Players

  • #9 Yoskar Galvan – Senior midfielder that committed to Iowa Western earlier this season. Galvan is a special kind of talent that can do it all with this pace and on-ball skill. Yoskar has 17 goals and 21 assists this season. He will have to be a major factor in this match in order to defeat Skutt.
  • #10 Junior Casillias – Senior midfielder that is also an Iowa Western soccer commit. Casillias has been on our radar all season long. This is a player capable of changing the game at a moment’s notice. Junior is best when on the ball with an attacking mentality.

NEST Analysis: This game will feature two of the best possession teams that the state has to offer. Expect Skutt to come out fast in an attempt to speed up the pace of play. That has been their style all season long, it won’t change now. The Skyhawks are adept at pressing their opponents into a panic and making the most of the counterattacks. This team loves the over-the-top switch to their talented wingers. Lexington’s attack will determine the outcome of this game, they must find a way to score multiple goals against a team that has only allowed three all season. The Minutemen are capable of doing this with their confidence and flair. Lexington has and will continue to place an emphasis on its midfield play. Casillias and Galvan are given a lot of positional freedom within this scheme. The Lexington defense will presumably play with a deep-dropping sweeper type of center-back. That wrinkle that mystified opponents all season long.

Prediction: Lexington has a ton of talent and it’s great to see a Central Nebraska team on this stage. However, Omaha Skutt has been absolutely dominant all season. This one ends with a Skyhawk title. 3-1 Omaha Skutt

 

Class B Girls – Omaha Skutt vs. Norris – Wednesday, May 19th @ 5:00 PM

Omaha Skutt – #1 Seed (19-1)

Road To The Finals

  • Quarterfinals – Defeated Omaha Roncalli Catholic 7-1
  • Semifinals – Defeated Lincoln Lutheran/Raymond Central 7-1

Key Players

  • #6 Cady Bettsworth – Senior midfielder that is a do it all type of athlete. A determined presence in the midfield, Bettsworth will need to be a factor in this game. A stat line of 11 goals and 13 assists this season.
  • #15 Kaeylyn Reeves – The senior forward is a Wayne State soccer commit. Safe to say, the Wildcats are getting a difference maker in the attack. 12 goals and 6 assists on the season, she will be looking to add a few more in the championship match.
  • #19 Jenna Hotovy – Senior defender that is committed to play at South Dakota State. The Skyhawks have allowed 4 goals in all competitions, a lot of that credit has to go to Hotovy.
  • #20 Cece Behrens – Senior forward that has been the Class B girls player of the year. Although there will be a ton of talent in this championship, Behrens will be the best amongst them. The future Omaha Maverick has 39 goals and 11 assists.

Norris – #2 Seed (20-0) 

Road To The Finals

  • Quarterfinals – Defeated Lexington 2-0
  • Semifinals – Defeated Omaha Duchesne 4-2

Key Players

  • #1 Kennedy Sullivan – A lot of worthy names on this squad, but time to pay attention to this FRESHMAN midfielder. Norris is here to stay due to their young core of talent. Sullivan has 12 goals and 12 assists on the season. She has risen to the occasion versus top teams.
  • #3 Reese Borer – The sophomore midfielder has been an impact player all season long. She is a major part of the talented crop of players that have taken Norris to new heights. She will be a top player for years to come in the state of Nebraska. 17 goals with 5 assists this season.
  • #5 Molly Ramsey – The senior three-sport star is an exciting athlete and overall story. She is the leader of this team as she brings a winner’s mentality to the field. Ramsey is a speedy forward that understands how to find the back of the net. Her 2021 stat line reads 19 goals and 6 assists.
  • #10 Hanna Schroeder – Another senior attacker that has done her part in building this program. Schroeder has been impressive all year long with 14 goals and 8 assists.

NEST Analysis: The storyline for this match practically writes itself. A traditional powerhouse filled with division one talent seeks to add another trophy to the case. On the other side, the up-and-coming Norris Titans attempt to add an exclamation point to a dream season. This is a game that will potentially have a flurry of goals and fast-paced play. Cece Behrens and Molly Ramsey will star for their individual teams, which one will have the golden foot?

I expect Skutt to establish early momentum while Norris adjusts to this level of opposition. Norris will compete hard and it is essential for them to stay disciplined defensively.

Prediction: This one is going to be a great show to watch, and I am excited to see it all play out. The final scoreline will not represent the reality on the field. Omaha Skutt will be too consistent and take advantage of their chances late in the game. 4-2 Omaha Skutt.

 

Thank you for reading and being a part of our new community. A like, share, comment or recommendation of content would be greatly appreciated. In order to financially support our efforts, sponsorship/partnership opportunities have become available. Sponsors will receive vast exposure to the Nebraska soccer community through different media avenues. The sponsorship process is easy and reasonable.

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Class A Championship Previews

Class A Boys – Lincoln Southwest vs. Omaha South – Tuesday, May 18th @ 8:00 PM

Lincoln Southwest – #1 Seed (17-0)

Road To The Finals

  • Quarterfinals – Defeated Grand Island 3-0
  • Semifinals – Defeated Creighton Prep 1-0

Key Players

  • #1 Nolan Fuelberth – Senior goalkeeper will have to live up to his shot-stopping reputation one final time. The Northern Illinois commit has been a record setter all season. A championship trophy would be an incredible ending to a wonderful career.
  • #8 Eli Rhodes – Senior midfielder that controls the most critical part of the pitch. Rhodes has scored 13 goals and assisted 12 times this season. He is the engine of the squad.
  • #11 Braden Lackey – Senior attacker that has accounted for 15 goals and 9 assists. He is a next level talent that has introduced himself to us this season.
  • #17 Ramzy Hamouda – Senior attacker is perhaps the most explosive player on this team. Hamouda has the ability to take over a game; he could be the difference maker here. His stats are 8 goals and 5 assists.

Omaha South – #2 Seed (20-1)

Road To The Finals

  • Quarterfinals – Defeated Millard West 3-1
  • Semifinals – Defeated Gretna 3-0

Key Players

  • #9 Edwin Cisneros – Junior forward that has been impressive all season. To understand this talent, only a few clips of his highlights will be needed. Cisneros is a speedy and passionate player that has a certain edge to his game. He will be one to watch next season. He has 10 goals and 10 assists this year.
  • #11 Emanuel Palga – Senior midfielder that was listed by us as a player to watch before the season started. Palga has lived up to that billing during the 2021 season. He will be an important factor versus Southwest. 10 goals and 5 assists this season.
  • #14 Kevin Becceril – Senior midfielder that is a leading candidate for the boys player of the year. Becceril would add to an already impressive career with this championship. He has been practically unstoppable in front of goal with 25 goals and 4 assists.

NEST Analysis: The top two seeds will meet for what could be an epic match. This game has everything that a soccer supporter could ever want. High quality players will be all over the field, many of them are quite accustomed to putting on a show. Both teams will attack from the very start of the game and neither knows how to back down. Southwest will be attempting to complete its perfect season; this is the moment they have been waiting for. Omaha South continues its tradition of excellence with another trip to the promised land.

Prediction: Who knows about this one?!? I don’t believe anyone could tell you with 100% confidence the outcome of this game. However, this industry requires that I take a stand. If I am going to do that, it’s time to get specific. This game will need more than regulation to decide a champion. It will be 2-2 at the end of regular time, Southwest will score the deciding goal in the first overtime. Lincoln Southwest 3-2.

Class A Girls – Gretna vs. Millard North – Tuesday, May 18th @ 5:00 PM

Gretna – #2 Seed (20-1)

Road To The Finals

  • Quarterfinals – Defeated Kearney 4-1
  • Semifinals – Defeated Lincoln East 2-1 SO

Key Players

  • #3 Madelyn White – Sophomore attacker that has stood out in the most important of moments. White is a force on the side with a nonstop motor. She has scored 14 goals and assisted 16 times this year. With her, it looks like another division one prospect will be coming out of Gretna.
  • #12 Savannah De Fini – Junior forward for the Dragons that will be at the top of our watch list next season. She has a special instinct for finding the back of the net. 23 goals and 16 assists for the 2021 season.
  • #24 Sarah Weber – The senior star and record setter controls the midfield for the Dragons. She is the undisputed best player every time she steps on the field. Weber is the player of the year on the girls side with 47 goals (not a typo) and 29 assists (also not a typo).
  • #25 Taylor Daffer – Defenders are not appreciated or recognized enough by the overall soccer community. So much of what they do is hard to quantify, yet so important. Daffer is a game changer and will be a wonderful addition to Creighton at the next level.

Millard North – #8 Seed (13-7) 

Road To The Finals

  • Quarterfinals – Defeated #1 seed Lincoln Southwest 1-0 SO
  • Semifinals – Defeated Omaha Marian 2-1

Key Players

  • #7 Campbell Zimmers – Senior midfielder that has committed to play at South Dakota at the next level. She is one of the state’s best and a major reason why the Mustangs are in this position. Zimmers has 18 goals and 6 assists this season.
  • #14 Sena Ahovissi – Senior forward for the Mustangs that has a few of the best highlights this year. However, her game is much more than those snap shots. Her on the ball skill and off ball movement set her apart. Sena has 18 goals and 2 assists to her name. She will need to find a few more in this last game.

NEST Analysis: A finals matchup involving teams with polar opposite stories. One expected to be in this game and the other had only themselves to rely upon. Anything less than a championship appearance would have been a disappointment for Gretna, we wrote as much at the beginning of the year. Those were lofty expectations but their talent dictated and eventually justified those statements. The Dragons delivered in style with their beautiful style of play and showmanship. They are going to be on the attack, expect a determined squad from the opening whistle.

On the other side of the pitch, perhaps a team of destiny. Hovering around the .500 mark all season, very few saw Millard North being in the championship game. To be here, the Mustangs had to defeat Gretna in the district finals which came down to a shootout. It took longer than most, but North has figured out their system and really come together as a team. Now it is time to stay disciplined and look for one of their top goal scorers to rise to the occasion.

Prediction: Millard North is such a wonderful story, and they have found a way over and over again. However, they just defeated Gretna, giving the Dragons an added sense of motivation. Gretna wins 3-1 with Sarah Weber getting 2 of those goals.

 

Thank you for reading and being a part of our new community. A like, share, comment or recommendation of content would be greatly appreciated. In order to financially support our efforts, sponsorship/partnership opportunities have become available. Sponsors will receive vast exposure to the Nebraska soccer community through different media avenues. The sponsorship process is easy and reasonable.

Contact us on our website or email @ nebraskasoccertalk@gmail.com.

Connect with us on TwitterInstagram, or listen to our podcast.

 

 

Class A District Breakdown (Boys)

We are entering into the final stages of the 2021 season, and it has been a wonderful experience. While it has been a joy to watch the sport all season long, this is the time of year when it really matters. The energy and anticipation is almost overwhelming for soccer fans such as ourselves.  The district pairings have been released by the NSAA, and the process of establishing a state field is underway. Nebraska Soccer Talk gives our thoughts and analysis on the district/sub-district match-ups.

A-1

#1 Lincoln Southwest
#2 Lincoln High
#3 Papillion-La Vista South
#4 Omaha Benson
#5 Lincoln North Star
  • Entering as the only undefeated team, Lincoln Southwest has state title capabilities and aspirations. They are the favorite in this field and have plenty of talent to justify the #1 seed.
  • Lincoln High and Papillion-La Vista South are dangerous middle seeds that could surprise many after they play one another. PLS has been up and down this season but are very good when clicking. A few complete games for this squad and they will find themselves at Morrison.
  • I like Lincoln High to reach the final game in this district where they will presumably play Lincoln Southwest. There, the Links are certain to put up a fight as they have done all season versus good competition.

A-2

#1 Omaha South
#2 Millard North
#3 Elkhorn South
#4 Lincoln Northeast
#5 Bellevue East
  • It is expected that Omaha South will make a finals appearance in district A-2. Anything else would be a huge shock to the Nebraska soccer landscape. South is gaining a reputation as a second half team. Teams tend to keep it close during the first half, but eventually South’s talent takes over when it matters.
  • Its a toss up between Elkhorn South and Millard North. Elkhorn South has experienced injury problems throughout the season, but if they are healthy, this could be a very capable team.
  • Millard North has had moments of brilliance, most notably against Gretna during the Metro Tournament. The Mustangs have defeated top teams before so they are not to be overlooked. A consistent level of play is the key here. Every minute will matter versus Elkhorn South and potentially Omaha South.

A-3

#1 Gretna
#2 Omaha Bryan
#3 Bellevue West
#4 Fremont
#5 Omaha North
  • Fremont should win the play-in game versus Omaha North, from there the Tigers have a huge challenge with #1 seed Gretna.
  • Gretna has played fantastic soccer all year with multiple players stepping up in key moments. The Dragons should advance to state IF they play to their ability.
  • Omaha Bryan will be the biggest challenger and threat to Gretna. They do lack a showcase win this season, but this is an opportunity to earn their first. There is talent on the roster.

A-4

#1 Creighton Prep
#2 Grand Island
#3 Omaha Northwest
#4 Columbus
  • This district will have a lot of our attention due to the presence of two top 10 teams. Creighton Prep and Grand Island will be an exceptional match-up if they both advance to that game.
  • Creighton Prep has earned that #1 seed. They have demonstrated themselves to be a top quality side versus Omaha South and others.
  • Grand Island’s state title hopes are legitimate even with presence of Prep.The Islanders have won eight of their last ten games, playing very well throughout that stretch.
  • Omaha Northwest is a dangerous three seed that Grand Island cannot overlook in that first game. Northwest was momentarily inside the Top 10 and have lingered in that 11-14 range all season.

A-5

#1 Millard South
#2 Kearney
#3 Omaha Burke
#4 Omaha Central
  • This one will be fun as multiple matches could go either way. There is no clear cut overwhelming favorite in this district.
  • Millard South and Kearney have played challenging schedules this spring. Theoretically, that should benefit them now as the urgency gets turned up.
  • The Patriots garnered more and more respect as the season went along. They were a pleasant surprise to many, including us.

A-6

#1 Lincoln East
#2 Millard West
#3 Papillion-La Vista
#4 North Platte
  • Lincoln East has done enough to earn top seeding, but they are still searching for a breakthrough win. They have been so close to reaching their full potential, which programs are built on big wins. A-6 will be an opportunity to gain momentum before playing top tier teams.
  • North Platte and Lincoln East faced each other on April 23rd. On that day, North Platte came away with the victory, what will be the result this time? Do not overlook the first round games.
  • Millard West and Papillion-La Vista will be a great game to watch for all supporters. West probably has the edge, but not by much. This game could go either way when looking at the two squads.

A-7

#1 Lincoln Southeast
#2 Omaha Westside
#3 Lincoln Pius X
#4 Norfolk
  • What a year for Lincoln, three teams from the city are #1 seeds in district play. The level of play within the city has greatly increased in recent years from top to bottom.
  • Norfolk’s defensive capabilities give them hope in this district. If they are able to discover an attacking prowess, they have a shot to steal a game or two. They pushed Lincoln Southeast, Grand Island, and Lincoln East to the edge this season.
  • At the beginning of the season, we gave a lot of attention to Lincoln Southeast. We called for lofty goals and thus far they have answered.
  • Omaha Westside has the best situation of any two seed in Class A boys. Win two and you’re in.

 

Thank you for reading and being a part of our new community. A like, share, comment or recommendation of content would be greatly appreciated. In order to financially support our efforts, sponsorship/partnership opportunities have become available. Sponsors will receive vast exposure to the Nebraska soccer community through different media avenues. The sponsorship process is easy and reasonable.

Contact us on our website or email @ nebraskasoccertalk@gmail.com.

Connect with us on TwitterInstagram, or listen to our podcast.

 

Class B Sub-District Breakdown (Boys)

We are entering into the final stages of the 2021 season, and it has been a wonderful experience. While it has been a joy to watch the sport all season long, this is the time of year when it really matters. The energy and anticipation is almost overwhelming for soccer fans such as ourselves.  The district pairings have been released by the NSAA, and the process of establishing a state field is underway. Nebraska Soccer Talk gives our thoughts and analysis on the district/sub-district match-ups.

B-1

#1 Platteview
#2 Conestoga
#3 Nebraska City
#4 Gross Catholic
#5 Plattsmouth
  • A fantastic season by Platteview has them in leading position to win this group. Really big steps forward for this program.
  • The game between Conestoga and Nebraska City is a bit of a toss up. Very realistic possibility to have a seeding upset in that first round.

B-2

#1 Omaha Skutt
#2 Ralston
#3 Omaha Roncalli
#4 Omaha Concordia
  • Omaha Skutt has been the top team all season. They have faced little resistance due to their overwhelming talent at every level.
  • Ralston has the best shot to surprise this district.

B-3

#1 Bennington
#2 Mount Michael Benedictine
#3 Elkhorn North
#4 Elkhorn
  • Bennington should be the winner in this group. This is a team with two top level scoring options that will be a challenge for any team to stop.
  • Mount Michael has been a tough team to understand in the 2021 season. They have played well against good teams, but have under-performed when they have the upper hand.
  • Elkhorn North has a shot if the defense is able to step up. Logan Hanigan at forward can break a game open. In these scenarios, an upset is one or two goals away.

B-4

#1 South Sioux City
#2 Blair
#3 Madison
#4 Lutheran High/Norfolk Catholic
  • Man, what a wild ride is has been for South Sioux City. They began the season in our Top 3, but struggled early on. We kept them in our rankings even when they fell to 1-6. However, due to the performances of other programs they eventually found themselves on the outside of the Top 10. SSC stormed back and are now a one seed. What will be the result in the post-season?
  • Blair is inside our Top 10 in the latest rankings. I like the chances of this second seed.

B-5

#1 Beatrice
#2 Waverly
#3 Norris
#4 Crete
#5 Lincoln Lutheran/Raymond Central
  • Beatrice has been the story of the season on the boys side of the sport. Their reward for an epic turnaround? Being placed in one of the most challenging and hard to predict districts.
  • Waverly and Norris will be a great game to watch as two capable teams fight it out in an attempt to advance.
  • Crete’s results have been all over the place but there is talent on this squad. They are a dangerous four seed.

B-6

#1 Columbus Scotus
#2 Schuyler
#3 Columbus Lakeview
#4 Seward
  • Schuyler has upped their game in recent weeks, they are beginning to look like a state tournament team. That improvement makes for an interesting scenario in the B-6 district.
  • It would be unwise to not mention the #1 seed, Columbus Scotus. They won against Schuyler only a few days ago, and they will need to do it again.

B-7

#1 GI Northwest
#2 Kearney Catholic
#3 York
#4 Aurora
#5 Hastings
  • The GI Northwest co-op has paid off for the community. Two schools put their best talents together which resulted in a great season.
  • Do not overlook Aurora as the four seed. Not necessarily predicting an upset but it is not out of the question.
  • For Kearney Catholic, this season started off on the right foot as they advanced to 6-0. A 3-3 finish brings some hesitation to the post-season.

B-8

#1 Lexington
#2 Scottsbluff
#3 Holdrege
#4 Gering
  • B-8 features all central or western Nebraska teams, a noted change from other pairings.
  • Lexington is the clear favorite as they have defeated several quality Class A & B teams. The Minutemen feature a few of the best players in the state.
  • Scottsbluff is a relative unknown, they have played three Wyoming teams. It is unclear how to compare those wins with Nebraska based results.
  • Lexington defeated Scottsbluff 6-0 earlier this season.

 

Thank you for reading and being a part of our new community. A like, share, comment or recommendation of content would be greatly appreciated. In order to financially support our efforts, sponsorship/partnership opportunities have become available. Sponsors will receive vast exposure to the Nebraska soccer community through different media avenues. The sponsorship process is easy and reasonable.

Contact us on our website or email @ nebraskasoccertalk@gmail.com.

Connect with us on Twitter, Instagram, or listen to our podcast.

 

Class A District Breakdown (Girls)

We are entering into the final stages of the 2021 season, and it has been a wonderful experience. While it has been a joy to watch the sport all season long, this is the time of year when it really matters. The energy and anticipation is almost overwhelming for soccer fans such as ourselves.  The district pairings have been released by the NSAA, and the process of establishing a state field is underway. Nebraska Soccer Talk gives our thoughts and analysis on the district/sub-district match-ups.

A-1

#1 Lincoln Southwest
#2 Millard West
#3 Omaha Burke
#4 Omaha Benson
#5 Omaha Northwest
  • Southwest is undefeated for a reason, they are extremely talented and have a championship mindset. This is a squad that is filled with quality at every level. The Silverhawks have played a challenging schedule, defeating every opponent on their quest for perfection. They are the favorite here, but it will be no sure thing.
  • A huge percentage of Millard West’s starting lineup has been occupied by freshmen and sophomore players. They have battled all season long, learning many lessons along the way. With a full regular season of experience, can this be a coming of age moment?

A-2

#1 Gretna
#2 Millard North
#3 Omaha Central
#4 Lincoln Northeast
#5 Omaha Bryan
  • Gretna is our current #1, they have earned that ranking again and again. The Dragons have perhaps the best player in the state occupying midfield, Sarah Weber is that good. Not to be outdone, her teammates have proven themselves to be of high quality as well. Talent is amazing, but what truly sets this team apart is their championship mentality.
  • Gretna’s path to Morrison will not be a cakewalk. Millard North features several division one talents that have the potential to take over a game. The Mustangs need to provide more of a supporting cast, but the potential is there.
  • Omaha Central will have something to say in this one, and they will not go quietly. The Eagles will be a difficult opponent.

A-3

#1 Lincoln East
#2 Elkhorn South
#3 Millard South
#4 Grand Island
#5 Omaha North
  • With the return of Haley Peterson, a top talent in the state, Lincoln East will be back to almost full strength. When healthy, this team jumps into the #1 ranking argument.
  • Elkhorn South and Millard South have both won consistently when facing teams of equal or less talent. However, a new level will need to be found if they wish to keep playing in 2021. Both squads are capable of winning the group, but it will take being great at the details to pull it off.

A-4

#1 North Platte
#2 Lincoln Pius
#3 Lincoln North Star
#4 Fremont
  • Love the resiliency of the Lady Bulldog program. After a tough start, they have rallied to finish the season with only one loss in their final twelve games. Gracie Haneborg is a division one talent, that would be well known if she played in the Lincoln or Omaha area.
  • Wins over Omaha Mercy and Lincoln Southeast demonstrate the potential of Lincoln Pius X. They have a chance to advance from this group.

A-5

#1 Papillion – La Vista South
#2 Columbus
#3 Bellevue East
#4 Omaha South
  • During the first half of the season PL South was an overwhelming force with an 8-0 start. Then Allie Napora goes down and the impact has been significant. The remaining roster is very talented, but may be a year or two off from true title contention.
  • Columbus entered out Top 10 in recent weeks and has proven to be a very solid squad. It will be a tough task, but their chances look promising.

A-6

#1 Omaha Marian
#2 Lincoln Southeast
#3 Omaha Westside
#4 Norfolk
  • Group A-6 looks fun and could be full of surprises. Omaha Marian and Lincoln Southeast are the most likely to advance but that championship game is an absolute toss up.

A-7 

#1 Kearney
#2 Papillion-La Vista
#3 Lincoln High
#4 Bellevue West
  • My belief in Kearney is strong, something about that program generates a lot of optimism with me. They are solid in every aspect of the game which makes them a very difficult opponent.
  • Advancement to the state tournament for Papillion-La Vista would be a very unsurprising result from this group. This is perhaps as close as you can get in terms of quality between a one and a two seed.

 

Thank you for reading and being a part of our new community. A like, share, comment or recommendation of content would be greatly appreciated. In order to financially support our efforts, sponsorship/partnership opportunities have become available. Sponsors will receive vast exposure to the Nebraska soccer community through different media avenues. The sponsorship process is easy and reasonable.

Contact us on our website or email @ nebraskasoccertalk@gmail.com.

Connect with us on Twitter, Instagram, or listen to our podcast.

 

Class B Sub-District Breakdown (Girls)

We are entering into the final stages of the 2021 season, and it has been a wonderful experience. While it has been a joy to watch the sport all season long, this is the time of year when it really matters. The energy and anticipation is almost overwhelming for soccer fans such as ourselves.  The district pairings have been released by the NSAA and the process of establishing a state field is underway. Nebraska Soccer Talk gives our thoughts and analysis on the district/sub-district match-ups.

B-1

#1 Conestoga
#2 Plattsmouth
#3 Auburn
#4 Nebraska City
  • Honestly, who knows how this district will end up? Conestoga is the #1 seed but has a record of 6-6.
  • Probably three of these teams have a legitimate shot at winning this group. Their reward? The opportunity to play Omaha Skutt.

B-2

#1 Omaha Mercy
#2 Gross Catholic
#3 Ralston
#4 Platteview
  • Omaha Mercy has been a top three team all season, so they should handle this district. Victories versus Bennington, Blair, Omaha South, and Omaha Burke give backing to our assumption. Omaha Skutt is still the overall favorite this season, but Mercy will presumably get their shot.
  • Gross Catholic will be the biggest challenger to Mercy. These two teams played one another during the regular season, it resulted in a 2-1 win for Mercy.

B-3

 #1 Omaha Duchesne Academy
#2 Blair
#3 Omaha Roncalli
#4 Bennington
#5 Omaha Concordia
  • Man oh man, this B-3 district will have the opinions of soccer observers going all of the place. Four teams are threats, all garner legitimate discussion.
  • Duchesne should survive and advance, but this road will not be easy.
  • There is an argument to be made that the most dangerous second, third, and fourth seed are all located in the same group.
  • In almost any other group, I like Blair. Tough deal here, but they may be able to pull this off.

B-4 

#1 Omaha Skutt Catholic
#2 Waverly
#3 Elkhorn North
#4 Elkhorn
  • Waverly has had a very nice season, full of positive moments and play. We really like the direction of this program.
  • Solid first year for Elkhorn North, they have laid down a good foundation for the future.
  • Hanna King has a big soccer future, she will try to prolong her high school career but it will take her best work.
  • A lot of positives in the statements above, those teams deserve the acknowledgement. With those things being established, Omaha Skutt will have to beat themselves for them not to win this group.

B-5 

#1 Columbus Scotus
#2 Columbus Lakeview
#3 South Sioux City
#4 Lutheran High/Norfolk Catholic
#5 Schuyler
  • Columbus Scotus has been playing well as they advanced through the season. They earned a spot in our Top 10 and should advance out of this group. Although, the final could be a fun match-up.
  • The possibility of a Columbus rivalry game in the finals brings interest to B-5.

B-6

#1 Norris
#2 Lincoln Lutheran/Raymond Central
#3 Beatrice
#4 Seward
#5 Crete
  • Norris will look to keep the dream alive, but the road ahead will have its challenges. Talents such as Reese Borer and Hannah Schroeder will be relied upon. A storybook season for the Titans, now its time to write a beautiful ending.
  • Lincoln Lutheran/Raymond Central enters sub-districts with just two loses on the season and a second seed classification. They look like a state caliber team, however Norris would be the biggest obstacle they have faced this season.

B-7

#1 Aurora
#2 GI Northwest
#3 Hastings
#4 Kearney Catholic
#5 York
  • Aurora at 9-6 and Northwest at 8-7 are about as equal as it gets. They should both make it to the championship game, from there it is a toss up. These two teams have competed against each other twice already, Aurora winning both. On paper that seems to indicate and edge for them. However, it can be very difficult to beat the same opponent three teams in one season.

B-8

#1 Scottsbluff
#2 Lexington
#3 Gering
#4 Holdrege
  • This district should come down to Scottsbluff and Lexington in the finals. If that is the match-up, Lexington should come out on top. The turnaround and buildup of that program is a remarkable story. No matter the result, congratulations to that staff and the players.

 

Thank you for reading and being a part of our new community. A like, share, comment or recommendation of content would be greatly appreciated. In order to financially support our efforts, sponsorship/partnership opportunities have become available. Sponsors will receive vast exposure to the Nebraska soccer community through different media avenues. The sponsorship process is easy and reasonable.

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The Round Up – Class B Boys (4/20/21)

  • The rise of Beatrice has been one of the top stories of the season. The Orangemen are 10-2 and have eyes set on Morrison. Last time we saw this program, they won two games throughout the ENTIRE 2019 season. This is a dream first season for Coach Henning.
  • The Bennington Badgers have been on a roll during the 2021 season. Kai Olbrich and Oliver Benson have been a terrific attacking duo. Big upcoming game to finish the season versus Blair.
  • NEST was high on the Blair Bears before the season and that faith has been awarded. They are 8-3 as of Monday night and look to secure a top place in districts. With that being said, a signature win would help elevate them to true contender status.
  • Logan Hanigan is having a very good junior campaign for Elkhorn North. Hanigan is a fluid, fast, and physically imposing forward prospect.
  • The consolidation of the two Grand Island programs into GI Northwest has paid off this season. Northwest is 6-3 with good wins over Scottsbluff and Aurora. Schuyler and Crete are yet to come on the schedule.
  • Omaha Skutt and Lexington continue to show their dominance atop Class B. There are other quality teams, but these two are fantastic. Both squads have star power, organization, and depth. An additional congratulations to the four Omaha Skutt senior captains as all four decided to continue their soccer future at Nebraska Wesleyan.

 

Thank you for reading and being a part of our new community. A like, share, comment or recommendation of content would be greatly appreciated. In order to financially support our efforts, sponsorship/partnership opportunities have become available. Sponsors will receive vast exposure to the Nebraska soccer community through different media avenues. The sponsorship process is easy and reasonable.

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The Round Up – Class B Girls (4/20/21)

  • Aurora is a team that should be taken seriously by the state as we edge closer to post-season play. It is not unreasonable to predict five to six more wins to close out the regular season.
  • With two overtime games in a row, the Bennington Badgers need to rest up for the final stretch of the season. Contests against Waverly, Omaha Skutt, and Blair will be a great measuring stick for this program. They have proven to be a solid squad, can they take it to the next level?
  • A three game win streak has propelled Columbus Scotus into our Top 10 rankings. They are still in search of a high level win but this program is heading in the right direction.
  • Lexington is a team to watch during the last portion of the season. The turnaround and upgraded competitiveness is truly a fun story line to cover.
  • Sierra Springer and Lauren Stull have paired up to vault Lincoln Lutheran/Raymond Central to a 9-1 record. A close loss to Omaha Mercy hurt, but also provided validation. Games against Norris and Aurora will be huge opportunities to showcase this team.
  • The dream season for Norris is still rolling as they remain undefeated at the moment. Is this the new norm for the Titan program? All signs point to yes as spectacular sophomore Reese Borer will be returning for two more years.
  • Omaha Skutt, Omaha Duchesne, and Omaha Mercy were the top three teams to begin the season and they remain there, nearing the end. Class B girls is perhaps the most competitive class this year, and it will be fun to observe the ending.

 

Thank you for reading and being a part of our new community. A like, share, comment or recommendation of content would be greatly appreciated. In order to financially support our efforts, sponsorship/partnership opportunities have become available. Sponsors will receive vast exposure to the Nebraska soccer community through different media avenues. The sponsorship process is easy and reasonable.

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The Round Up – Class A Boys (4/20/21)

  • Gretna has quality all over the field; it is truly difficult to find a weak spot in this squad. That depth is playing a factor in the 12-1 record for the Dragons.
  • Lincoln Southwest has the genuine ability to win the title this year. The only undefeated team left in Class A boys, has earned their front-runner status. Wins over Grand Island, Millard West, Lincoln High, Omaha Skutt, and Kearney catch your attention rather quickly. Braden Lackey and Eli Rhodes are studs for this program.
  • The mighty can falter, but they rarely fall completely. Thus is the case with Omaha South as they suffered their first loss of the season against Creighton Prep. The Packers quickly bounced back with a comfortable victory over Omaha Westside. Packers are 10-1 this season.
  • Creighton Prep has been a tough team to understand during the 2021 season. A traditional powerhouse with undeniable talent and tradition, the Jr. Jays will always be in the title conversation. A 8-4 record is good, but looking deeper adds a bit of concern. Four overtimes and two additional shootouts mean that the margin between victory and defeat has been razor thin for this program. They are a Top 10 team, but Top 5 is up for debate.
  • Lincoln East is a contender, but can they truly make post-season noise? Would love to see them collect a top tier victory in the near future. An upcoming game against Kearney High will be a big opportunity.
  • Coach Sean Murphy and the Fremont Tigers have a bright future ahead. A 5-6 record on the surface does not bring rave reviews. However, if one examines the circumstances, our optimism makes sense. This is an incredibly young team that is building a foundation as they gain Class A soccer experience. Caleb Kirby will be a goalkeeping name to know for the future.
  • The Millard South boys are making their coach’s last year one to remember. Jim Cooney is set to retire after this season after a storied career with the program. The Patriots sit at 8-4 and have legitimate post-season hopes.
  • Coach Juan Aguirre has Millard West on the cusp of a state birth. The Wildcats are building back their title reputation after a few years adrift.
  • The season started a tad rough for Grand Island with consecutive defeats to Lincoln Southwest, Lincoln East, and Omaha South. Despite the 0-3 start, our belief in GI remained high. The Islanders have found their winning ways with six victories in the last seven games.
  • Lincoln High is my dark horse to make it to state this season. They will most likely be a #2 or #3 seed during districts, but they will be a team that no one wants to play. It helps to have a superb talent like Ian Becerra on the roster.

 

Thank you for reading and being a part of our new community. A like, share, comment or recommendation of content would be greatly appreciated. In order to financially support our efforts, sponsorship/partnership opportunities have become available. Sponsors will receive vast exposure to the Nebraska soccer community through different media avenues. The sponsorship process is easy and reasonable.

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The Round Up – Class A Girls (4/20/21)

  • Gretna is our new #1, a ranking in which they have absolutely earned. So far they have been dominate versus even the best of competition. This is well-rounded and quality squad that is anchored by a few of the best players in the state.
  • Lincoln Southwest remains undefeated and on the climb during the 2021 season. In all three overtime experiences, the Spartans have come out on top. Wins over Millard West, Omaha Marian, Kearney and Lincoln East demonstrate that this team is for real.
  • North Platte is a new team on the scene thanks in large part to all-star talent, Gracie Haneborg. The Lady Bulldogs have an eight game win streak, including a victory over Class B number one Omaha Skutt. A 2-3 start could have derailed the season, however this team has shown a great deal of resilience and spirit.
  • Recognition is in order for Omaha Central as they continue to put together a very solid season. This program’s journey has been fun to observe from the outside. A big game is upcoming as the Eagles take on Millard North.
  • Besides their first contest of the season, Columbus High has looked like a Top 10 program. However, they are in need of a top tier win to solidified themselves as a true contender.
  • Lincoln East has been without two of their top players in recent weeks. One player was out due to quarantine, the other will not be returning from a knee injury. Even with that adversity, this team continues to fight and win as they march towards Morrison. An upcoming match against North Platte will be huge for both sides.
  • The loss of Allie Napora cannot be overstated for Papillion-La Vista South. With her, the Titans flew out to an 8-0 record in what appeared to be a dream season. Without her, the last three games have gone the other direction. The adjustment will take time, but do not count out the Titans. There is a ton of young talent still occupying the roster.
  • A 7-4 record is obviously respectable for any program at this point in the season. In Kearney’s case though, it is important to examine even deeper. All four loses have come against quality sides and by one goal a piece. This team is close and could be a problem for the opposition during the coming weeks.

 

Thank you for reading and being a part of our new community. A like, share, comment or recommendation of content would be greatly appreciated. In order to financially support our efforts, sponsorship/partnership opportunities have become available. Sponsors will receive vast exposure to the Nebraska soccer community through different media avenues. The sponsorship process is easy and reasonable.

Contact us on our website or email @ nebraskasoccertalk@gmail.com.

Connect with us on TwitterInstagram, or listen to our podcast.