Jaguars are hoping to force a playoff with Jordan-Matthews
Traditionally, the Carrboro boys’ soccer team has cruised to Mid-State 2A conference titles, usually steamrolling the competition along the way.
This year, the Jaguars (12-3-3, 6-1-1) have found themselves under the shadow of the rapidly elevating Jordan-Matthews Jets (18-1-0, 8-1-0).
The rivals have split their regular season games over the past two years – each side won as the hosts this year. Last year, the conference winner – and more importantly, the higher seed in the NCHSAA playoffs – was decided in a neutral site game that Carrboro won 1-0.
After Jordan-Matthews won 5-4 against Carrboro on Oct. 12, a pseudo conference championship game appears to be in store for the 2016 season as well – if Carrboro wins out.
“Los Jets” are the only team to score on Carrboro since August, and the Jaguars have outscored their last three opponents 26-0.
Carrboro’s most recent victory was a 9-0 win Wednesday over Reidsville, the Jaguars’ 11th win by shutout this year.
When asked if these blowouts could be a time for Carrboro try out new strategies before playing Jordan-Matthews, coach Jared Drexler said he’s going to stick to his guns.
“Maybe some small stuff, but right now I think we want to be comfortable, position-wise, and technically and tactically with what we’re doing,” he said. “
Despite its tradition of dominance in the Mid-State, Carrboro isn’t annoyed by Jordan-Matthews’ ascendency; rather, the Jaguars relish the quality competition.
“Unfortunately, our conference isn’t really strong, it seems like it’s just us and Jordan-Matthews,” Drexler said, looking at closing games with Graham and Bartlett Yancey. “We got to play well in these games, and I think we’re going to end up seeing Jordan-Matthews again before the end of the season.
“I’ll tell you one thing: we both have a lot of respect for each other, and for some reason that game every year brings out the best in both teams.”
GAME LOG VS REIDSVILLE
23’ – Pablo Albers goal, Michael Donovan assist
30’ – Michael Donovan goal
32’ – Michel Donovan, Pablo Albers assist
33’ – Sam Merklein penalty kick goal
34’ – Pablo Albers goal, Serdar Calikoglu assist
48’ – Erick Ayala goal
51’ – Fran Romano penalty kick
54’ – Serdar Calikoglu goal
61’ – Nick Jones goal
This story was originally published October 20, 2016 at 6:34 PM with the headline "Jaguars are hoping to force a playoff with Jordan-Matthews."