Wisconsin State Playoff Preview: Division 1
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Postseason play began Tuesday in Wisconsin, and today we take a look at Division 1, which features some of the Midwest’s top soccer programs with elite level talent. The Favorite: Marquette No surprise here. The Hilltoppers have been by far…
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Continue ReadingPostseason play began Tuesday in Wisconsin, and today we take a look at Division 1, which features some of the Midwest’s top soccer programs with elite level talent.
The Favorite: Marquette
No surprise here. The Hilltoppers have been by far the most consistent program in the state. Unbeaten in Wisconsin this season. The team will rely on Nick Magner Nick Magner F Marquette | 2022 WI , Miguel Gonzalez Miguel Gonzalez M Marquette | 2022 WI , Valentin Sandoval Valentin Sandoval F Marquette | 2022 WI , and Owen Marshall Owen Marshall M WI up top. While CJ Deslongchamps CJ Deslongchamps GK Marquette | 2023 WI and Sam Magner Sam Magner D Marquette | 2022 WI lead a stellar defense. Marquette defeated West Allis Nathan Hale in the first round on Tuesday.
The Top Contenders: Verona, Arrowhead, Green Bay Preble, Bay Port
All four of these teams are more than capable of knocking off Marquette. For Arrowhead, one of their only losses came 1-0 at Marquette on Sept. 3. Arrowhead’s only other loss came the following day to Division 2 power Whitefish Bay. Since then, Arrowhead has been unbeaten. The team will rely on MSOE Commit Enzo Bova Enzo Bova F Arrowhead | 2022 WI , Brown Commit Langdon Gryglas Langdon Gryglas D Arrowhead | 2022 WI , and Luke Behringer Luke Behringer M Arrowhead | 2022 WI . Verona sits at 12-1-2 and is the top seed in their sectional. The team has relied heavily on midfielder Max Lynch for their success. Bay Port earned a bye for their sectional. Senior Payton Schilz and junior Ryan Amond lead the team up top with double-digit goals apiece. Junior keeper Brady Wazny has a GAA of 0.85 to lead a strong, underrated defense. And lastly, Green Bay Preble has a strong, consistent group that can lead them far in the playoffs. At least 17 players either scored or assisted this season while its trio of goalkeepers has a GAA of 0.9.
Super Sleepers: Homestead, Sun Prairie, Brookfield East
These programs are seeded a little lower in their sectionals, but can definitely make some noise. Homestead can very well be placed in the tier above. Recently drawing to state power Whitefish Bay to share a conference title with them. The team is led by Jr Jack Gruen up top and Sr’s Sam Walton and John Watzka in the Midfield. Gabe Voung is an all-state player for Sun Prairie with 25 goals and 15 assists this season. Its lone loss this season came to Verona. Brookfield East has played a tough schedule, but only lost 2-1 to Marquette.