Texas Boys Regional Semi-final Preview: Allen vs Timber Creek

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Texas high school soccer playoffs have come down to the “sweet sixteen” teams who will be competing in the Regional Semi-finals on April 7. One of the biggest and most anticipated matchups in the 4th round will be fought between the Allen Eagles and Timber Creek Falcons. Both of these programs have defeated some of the best competition the state has to offer this year, but their upcoming meeting might prove to be one of the tightly contested games we see all postseason. This article will preview the matchup, and identifies some key players that could have a big impact on Friday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 12,000 seat McKinney ISD stadium will play host to this highly anticipated match which has the potential to be one of the best spectacles of the 2023 postseason, and is one you do not want to miss. It should be said that both sides are solid teams all around and have talented rosters from top top bottom, but each have found different ways to win. Timber Creek is an offensive juggernaut who have been on a goal scoring tear all year, while Allen is a wonderful defensively structured team that excels under pressure and in tight games. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The two sides are very evenly matched on paper. Both have great goalkeepers in <strong>Alec Setterberg</strong> (Allen) and <strong>Garrett McGee</strong> (Timber Creek) and a strong back four featuring star defenders <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='16680' first='Ryoma' last='Colyar'] </strong>(Allen)<strong> </strong>and <strong>Antonio De La Torre</strong> (Timber Creek). The Falcon and Eagle attacks are littered with talented players, all of whom have the ability to impact the outcome on Friday. Timber Creek's <strong>Kyle Gallegos, Essien Behn, Adam</strong> <strong>Schaban, </strong>and<strong> </strong>star striker<strong> Brayden Beason </strong>will have the Allen defense on high alert<strong>. </strong>On the other side,<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='16120' first='Evan' last='Pustejovsky']</strong>, <strong>Dylan McBride</strong>, and<strong> Osi Iyamah </strong>will look to provide the offensive spark for Allen. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As anyone who follows Texas high school soccer playoffs knows, anything can happen in the postseason, and this match truly could go either way. If Allen is able to keep this game close or if it goes into overtime or penalties, then Allen has the edge. However, if Timber Creek scores first, and is able to show they are comfortable playing with a lead, then I think they will have it in the bag. The 'man of the match' predictions are Timber Creek's <strong>Brayden Beason</strong>, and Allen's <strong>Osi Iyamah</strong>. Coming soon will be the team and player breakdowns for both Allen and Timber Creek.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The action will be taking place at McKinney ISD stadium on April 7 at 2:00PM</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->