It is shaping up to be one significant Saturday in North Jersey girls soccer, with five games featuring a pair of teams inside the Top 25 and a sixth game — IHA at Somers — that might have the most significance nationally. Here’s a quick preview of the quality slate of games on tap for today…
Note: All games are according to our database.
No. 1 Northern Highlands vs. No. 8 Ridgewood
The Highlanders put their undefeated record and 10-game winning streak on the line today against Ridgewood, a talented team that enters on a three-game losing streak (Ramapo, Paramus, Indian Hills). Highlands recently knocked off Ramapo, 1-0, on a goal from Eva Hurm in the 14th minute.
No. 2 IHA vs. Somers (N.Y.)
The Blue Eagles, led by Sophia Gulati, can earn back some measure of redemption today as they travel to national power Somers (N.Y.), a team ranked No. 2 nationally in the latest NSCAA poll. Two weeks ago, IHA — currently ranked No. 14 nationally — fell to California power Maria Carrillo, 4-2, in its season opener.
No. 4 River Dell vs. No. 22 Pascack Hills
This one will serve as another measure stick in ever-changing landscape of the Big North Patriot. River Dell, led by Rachel Sorkenn, is coming off a 2-2 tie against Mahwah and Pascack Hills, which received a hat trick on Wednesday from Alli Ernest in a 6-2 win over Dumont, is off to a 2-0-1 start, including a 2-2 against Westwood.
No. 6 Paramus vs. No. 19 Indian Hills
The two early-season Cinderellas square off in what might be the most interesting and intriguing game of the day. Which team will keep the momentum going, in a contest featuring Paramus’ Julia Koenemund, Kaitlyn Scrivanich and goalie Nicole DiPasquale and Indian Hills’ Kelly Yadoff, Bryn Heinowitz and goalie Ann Wray.
No. 12 NV/Demarest vs. No. 14 Pascack Valley
In what is shaping up to be a three-team race in the Big North National, with the Norsewomen, the Indians and NV/Old Tappan, this game could have a major impact down the road regarding the chase for a league title. The Norsewomen are the reigning champs, but PV has the talent to contend. This should be a good one.
No. 15 Wayne Hills vs. No. 21 Lakeland
The two-time reigning Passaic County champion Patriots take on the Lancers, always seemingly in the hunt for both league and county titles. Don’t be surprised if these two teams meet again in a even more meaningful county tournament setting.
And one other game of note… No. 25 Waldwick vs. Lyndhurst. Waldwick recently debuted in the Top 25, while Lyndhurst recently fell out. With the Bears recently picking up convincing wins over Secaucus and Harrison, a win over Waldwick would put them right back in Top 25 consideration. Waldwick, however, will look to remain unbeaten.