Prep soccer notes: Central faces big test this weekend

OSU looking to extend winning streak over UM
Updated 23 min. ago
OSU kicker thrust into rose-hued spotlight
1:41 a.m.
Ohio State-Michigan series has slipped in stature
1:37 a.m.
Wittenberg men's basketball:Tigers advance to Gettysburg finals
12:15 a.m.
Wittenberg football: Secret is good players
12:14 a.m.
> More sports headlines

By Michael Cooper, Staff Writer 11:35 PM Wednesday, September 9, 2009

SPRINGFIELD — The Catholic Central High School boys soccer team will know right where it stands after this weekend.

The Irish (4-0), ranked fourth in Division III in the Ohio High School Scholastic Soccer Coaches Association state poll and first in the Miami Valley poll, hosts Cincinnati Summit Country Day (2-1) on Saturday, Sept. 12, at 2 p.m. at Hallinean Field.

“We’re going to have to play a lot better than what we have been to beat them,” said Irish coach Shane Latham.

Both teams have been state powers in D-III over the last 10 years, winning three state titles between them — Catholic Central in 2001 and 2007, and Summit in 1999.

They’ve played every year since 2001, splitting the series 4-4.

Summit Country Day went 18-2-1 and fell to Mariemont in the regional finals last fall, and return 20 upperclassmen.

“They’re probably one of the top five teams in the state based on who they return from last year,” Latham said. “They’ve got 11 seniors. They’re a senior-junior dominated team. They’re a very well-coached team.”

They’ve got one of the top forwards in the state in Notre Dame recruit Alex Priede. The senior scored 44 of the team’s 62 goals last season.

“We’re going to have to mark him with our best defender and hope he does a good job on him and keep cover in the back,” Latham said. “He’s a pure scorer. He’s got a quick shot with either foot. He’s a dynamic player.”

The Silver Knights’ loss came on Sept. 5, a 3-0 defeat to Worthington Christian, the state’s top-ranked D-III team.

Catholic Central has outscored opponents 15-1, allowing just one goal to Xenia Christian.

Local poll

While Catholic Central is the lone team represented in the state poll, several others are ranked in the Miami Valley poll.

Greenon and Kenton Ridge are tied for ninth in the D-II boys poll.

In D-III boys, Yellow Springs is fifth, West Liberty-Salem is eighth and Greeneview is tied for 10th with Franklin-Monroe.

In D-II girls, Greeneview is fifth and Greenon is sixth.

Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0365 or mcooper@coxohio.com.

Share this article