With it being Monday, it’s a new week of soccer around the state. Boys and Girls High School soccer are the main focus areas for today.

Indiana High School Boys Soccer Preview: Ranked Teams Take Center Stage Monday

A new week of Indiana high school boys soccer begins Monday with 59 matches around the state and several contests involving teams in the latest Indiana Soccer Coaches Association rankings.

The headline games include Class 2A No. 2 Mishawaka Marian trying to bounce back from its first loss, an intriguing Fort Wayne showdown involving Class 1A No. 1 Blackhawk Christian, and undefeated teams such as Greencastle, Tipton, Morgan Township and Northeast Dubois looking to keep their perfect seasons intact.

2A No. 2 Mishawaka Marian at Elkhart Christian Academy

One of the biggest questions Monday night is how Mishawaka Marian responds.

The Knights enter at 7-1 after dropping their first match of the season, a 2-0 loss to Concord. Despite the setback, Marian remained No. 2 in the new Class 2A ISCA rankings.

Monday sends the Knights to Elkhart Christian Academy, which enters at 5-6.

For Marian, this is an opportunity to immediately get back into the win column before Wednesday’s significant matchup against Penn.

Kickoff: 7 p.m.

1A No. 1 Blackhawk Christian at Bishop Dwenger

One of the night’s best games takes place in Fort Wayne.

Blackhawk Christian enters at 7-0-1 and remains No. 1 in the new Class 1A ISCA poll. The Braves face a Bishop Dwenger team that enters at 7-1-1.

This is a major test for Blackhawk. The Braves have established themselves as the team to beat in 1A, but Dwenger provides an opportunity to prove it against a quality larger-school opponent.

A Blackhawk victory would add another significant result to an already impressive résumé.

Kickoff: 7:30 p.m.

2A No. 3 Bishop Noll vs. 3A No. 7 Valparaiso

This could be one of the most interesting cross-class matchups of the evening.

Valparaiso enters at 8-1-1 and is ranked No. 7 in Class 3A, while Bishop Noll has climbed to No. 3 in Class 2A.

For Bishop Noll, this is exactly the type of result that could strengthen its argument for moving even closer to Guerin Catholic and Mishawaka Marian at the top of 2A.

Valparaiso, meanwhile, is trying to remain among the elite teams in a loaded 3A field.

Kickoff: 7 p.m.

2A No. 5 Leo vs. Bellmont

Leo is one of the hottest teams in Class 2A.

The Lions enter Monday at 7-1-1 and are coming off an impressive 3-0 victory over Fort Wayne Carroll. That performance helped Leo climb to No. 5 in the new ISCA 2A poll.

Hudson Douglas has been a major part of Leo’s attack with 11 goals, while Eli Devries has recorded six assists.

Bellmont enters at 0-5, making Leo a significant favorite, but conference matches always carry additional importance.

Kickoff: 8 p.m. at Fort Wayne FC Ruoff Stadium.

2A No. 19 Greencastle at Covington

Greencastle is making noise.

The Tiger Cubs enter Monday undefeated at 7-0 and have broken into the new ISCA Class 2A Top 20.

Greencastle had an explosive week offensively, beating International School of Indiana 4-1 Tuesday before dismantling Southmont 10-1 Thursday.

Now the Tiger Cubs take their unbeaten record on the road against Covington.

Greencastle’s rise into the rankings makes every game increasingly important. Another convincing result would strengthen the Tiger Cubs’ case to climb further next week.

Kickoff: 6 p.m.

1A No. 2 Faith Christian at Northwestern

Faith Christian begins another important week with an 8-1 record.

The Eagles remained No. 2 in Class 1A behind Blackhawk Christian and travel to Northwestern, which enters at 3-4-1.

Faith Christian has an even bigger opportunity waiting Saturday when 3A No. 4 Zionsville visits Lafayette. First, however, the Eagles need to avoid looking ahead and handle Monday’s road assignment.

Kickoff: 6 p.m.

1A No. 3 Shawe Memorial vs. Southwestern

Shawe Memorial gets its first opportunity to respond following its first defeat of the season.

The Hilltoppers enter Monday at 7-1 and remain No. 3 in Class 1A. Southwestern comes in at 0-4-1.

Shawe has a major ranked matchup coming Wednesday against No. 17 Rising Sun, making Monday an opportunity to regain momentum before another significant test.

Kickoff: 5 p.m.

Northeast Dubois vs. Forest Park

Another fascinating southern Indiana matchup sends unbeaten Northeast Dubois against Forest Park.

Northeast Dubois enters at a perfect 7-0, while Forest Park comes in at 7-3.

Both programs are part of the Class 1A conversation, making this an especially valuable measuring-stick game as the postseason draws closer.

Kickoff: 7:15 p.m.

Andrean at Marquette Catholic

Andrean is another team worth watching Monday.

The Fighting 59ers enter at 9-1 and have climbed into the Class 2A rankings. They’ll travel to face a Marquette Catholic side that enters at 2-3-1.

With Andrean now getting statewide recognition, Monday provides an opportunity to back up its strong start.

Kickoff: 5 p.m.

Evansville Mater Dei at 3A No. 18 Jasper

Southern Indiana also gets an interesting matchup between Evansville Mater Dei and Jasper.

Jasper enters at 8-1 and is a newcomer to this week’s Class 3A Top 20. Mater Dei comes in at 5-2-2.

For Jasper, the challenge now becomes maintaining its place in the rankings after breaking into the poll.

Kickoff: 7:30 p.m.

Evansville Harrison at 3A No. 16 Evansville North

SIAC play provides another matchup to watch.

Evansville North enters at 6-2-1 and is ranked No. 16 in Class 3A. Harrison comes in at 2-3-2.

North is looking to rebound after its 2-1 loss to Evansville Memorial last week and stay within striking distance of the upper half of the 3A rankings.

Kickoff: 7:30 p.m.

OTHER MATCHUPS TO WATCH

Monday’s slate is deeper than just the ranked teams.

Vincennes Lincoln carries an impressive 8-1 record across town to face Vincennes Rivet at 5 p.m.

Undefeated Tipton puts a 6-0-3 record on the line against Alexandria-Monroe. Morgan Township is 6-0-1 entering its matchup with Lowell, while LaVille brings a perfect 5-0 mark into its game against Argos.

Crawfordsville is off to an 8-1 start and travels to Benton Central. Oldenburg Academy and Rising Sun meet in an interesting southeastern Indiana matchup, while Roncalli takes a 4-2-3 record to Pendleton Heights.

Valparaiso-Bishop Noll, Blackhawk Christian-Bishop Dwenger and Mishawaka Marian-Elkhart Christian headline the northern part of the state, while the southern portion features Northeast Dubois-Forest Park, Mater Dei-Jasper and Harrison-Evansville North.

MONDAY’S BIG PICTURE

Monday may not have the sheer volume of matches that Indiana soccer sees on a Tuesday or Thursday, but there are plenty of games capable of influencing next week’s rankings.

The matchup to circle may be Class 1A No. 1 Blackhawk Christian against Bishop Dwenger. Blackhawk has dominated its 1A competition, and Monday provides another opportunity for the Braves to demonstrate that their success translates against larger schools.

Valparaiso against Bishop Noll is another major measuring stick, matching a Top 10 3A program against one of the leading contenders in 2A.

Mishawaka Marian will try to show that its loss to Concord was merely a bump in the road, while Greencastle, Faith Christian, Leo, Jasper and Andrean all have opportunities to strengthen their positions in the latest ISCA rankings.

And with sectionals beginning October 6, the calendar is becoming increasingly important.

There are only a few weeks remaining for teams to build momentum before Indiana high school soccer enters tournament mode.

 

Indiana High School Girls Soccer Preview: Ranked Teams Highlight Busy Monday Slate

Indiana high school girls soccer opens another important week Monday with 69 matches scheduled across the state, including several involving teams in the ISCA rankings.

The night’s headliner comes in Indianapolis, where Westfield visits Cathedral in a matchup between two of the state’s top Class 3A programs. Carmel, Center Grove, Lawrence North, Mt. Vernon, East Central and Columbus North are also among the highly regarded teams taking the field.

Westfield at Cathedral

This is the matchup to circle Monday night.

Westfield enters at 8-1 after an impressive start and faces a Cathedral team sitting at 5-1-1.

Westfield’s offense was clicking Thursday in a 7-3 victory over North Central. Cathedral, meanwhile, is trying to rebound after suffering its first loss of the season Saturday, a 1-0 setback against Zionsville.

That makes Monday an immediate opportunity for Cathedral to answer against another quality opponent.

For Westfield, a road win would provide another major addition to a résumé that has the Shamrocks among the leading contenders in Class 3A.

Kickoff: 7 p.m.

North Central at Carmel

Carmel enters Monday at 8-0 and puts its perfect record on the line against North Central.

The Greyhounds have been one of Indiana’s most consistent teams and are coming off a 6-1 victory over Lawrence Central on Thursday.

North Central enters at 3-4-1 but showed what it can do Saturday with a 4-0 shutout of Pendleton Heights.

Carmel will be favored, but the Panthers have an opportunity to make a major statement against one of Indiana’s elite programs.

Kickoff: 7 p.m.

Center Grove at Pike

Center Grove has a quick turnaround after one of the most challenging Saturdays of its season.

The Trojans defeated Crown Point 1-0 before facing Homestead later in the day and suffering a 3-1 loss.

That leaves Center Grove at 6-0-1 on the MaxPreps Monday slate entering its matchup with Pike.

Center Grove has already proven it belongs among Indiana’s best, and Monday provides the Trojans an opportunity to immediately respond to the Homestead result.

Pike enters at 3-5.

Kickoff: 7 p.m.

Lawrence North at Lawrence Central

Bragging rights are on the line on the northeast side of Indianapolis.

Lawrence North enters at 6-3 and has been one of the state’s better teams. The Wildcats defeated Ben Davis 5-0 Saturday and have another opportunity Monday against township rival Lawrence Central.

Lawrence Central enters at 7-2, giving this rivalry matchup plenty of intrigue beyond the rankings.

A Lawrence Central victory would be a significant résumé-builder, while Lawrence North has an opportunity to continue strengthening its position among Indiana’s top teams.

Kickoff: 7 p.m.

Columbus North at Bloomington South

This could be one of the most intriguing games in southern Indiana.

Columbus North enters at 8-1-1 and is coming off a scoreless draw against Greenfield-Central.

The Bull Dogs have been outstanding defensively. They also picked up a 4-0 victory over Oldenburg Academy Thursday.

Bloomington South enters at 3-4-2, but rivalry games between these programs are rarely straightforward.

Columbus North has an opportunity to add another road victory while continuing its push toward the upper half of the Class 3A rankings.

Kickoff: 7:30 p.m.

Harrison at Lawrenceburg

Lawrenceburg puts a 6-2 record on the line against Harrison.

The Tigers have been one of southeastern Indiana’s stronger programs and are trying to build momentum heading deeper into September.

Harrison enters at 6-1-1, making this one of Monday’s better games based purely on records.

With both teams owning just one or two losses, this should provide a good measuring stick for where each stands entering the final weeks before the postseason.

Kickoff: 7:15 p.m.

New Palestine at East Central

East Central enters Monday at 7-1 and continues to make a case as one of the better Class 3A programs in southern Indiana.

The Trojans host a New Palestine team that enters at 6-3.

East Central has an opportunity to continue building its résumé, but New Palestine has enough quality to make this one of the more interesting games on Monday’s schedule.

Kickoff: 7:30 p.m.

Greenwood at Mt. Vernon

Mt. Vernon enters Monday at 7-1 and welcomes Greenwood to Fortville.

The Marauders are coming off an impressive 6-0 victory over Yorktown Saturday and have been one of the state’s strongest teams outside the very top tier of the Class 3A rankings.

Greenwood enters at 7-3 and therefore presents a quality test.

A Mt. Vernon victory would keep the Marauders firmly in the conversation among the teams capable of climbing in next week’s poll.

Kickoff: 7:30 p.m.

Leo at Bellmont

An important northeast Indiana matchup has Leo traveling to Bellmont.

Leo enters at 6-2, while Bellmont comes in at 3-6-1.

Leo is part of a crowded Class 2A picture in which every result matters as teams jockey for position behind the state’s leading contenders.

Kickoff: 6 p.m.

Lapel at Delta

Lapel is one of the teams to keep an eye on in Class 1A.

The Bulldogs enter Monday unbeaten at 7-0-2 and travel to face Delta.

Lapel played Northwestern to a 1-1 draw Saturday and has been one of the most difficult teams in its class to beat.

Delta enters at 4-3, giving the Eagles an opportunity to knock off one of Class 1A’s hottest teams.

Kickoff: 6 p.m.

Forest Park at Northeast Dubois

Southern Indiana gets an intriguing matchup between Forest Park and Northeast Dubois.

Forest Park enters at 7-1-1 after defeating Pike Central 3-0 Saturday. The Rangers have emerged as one of the primary contenders in Class 1A.

Northeast Dubois enters at 4-4.

Forest Park has an opportunity to continue strengthening its case as one of the teams capable of challenging for a deep postseason run.

Kickoff: 5:30 p.m.

Westview at Goshen

Westview gets an interesting cross-class challenge Monday.

The Warriors enter at 7-3 and travel to face Goshen, which enters at 4-3-2.

Westview is among the state’s leading Class 1A programs and has already played a demanding schedule. The Warriors are coming off a 2-0 victory over Bremen after suffering a 1-0 loss to Northridge on Thursday.

A victory against Goshen would be another useful result as Westview tries to maintain its position among the 1A elite.

Kickoff: 7:15 p.m.

OTHER GAMES TO WATCH

Vincennes Lincoln takes a perfect 7-0 record into its 5 p.m. matchup against Wood Memorial.

South Spencer has also put together an outstanding start. The Rebels enter at 9-1 and host Southridge, which comes in at 5-2-1.

Tri-West takes an 8-1 record to Lebanon. Tri-West is coming off a 2-1 victory over Bishop Chatard and has been one of the teams to watch in Class 2A.

Covington enters at 7-0-1 and hosts Cascade, while Lakewood Park Christian takes a perfect 7-0 record to Fort Wayne North Side.

Sheridan and Hamilton Heights meet with both teams carrying winning records, and Evansville Christian hosts Washington in another matchup worth watching in southern Indiana.

MONDAY’S BIG PICTURE

There is plenty at stake across Indiana Monday night.

Westfield-Cathedral is the marquee matchup, giving two Class 3A powers an opportunity to strengthen their position in an increasingly competitive state championship picture.

Carmel attempts to remain perfect against North Central, while Center Grove looks for an immediate response following its loss to Homestead.

Further down the rankings, teams such as Mt. Vernon, East Central, Lawrence North and Columbus North have opportunities to build their résumés.

In Class 2A, Tri-West and Leo are among the teams to follow closely, while the Class 1A slate features important nights for Westview, Forest Park, Lapel and Lakewood Park Christian.

With the calendar moving into the second half of September, the margin for error is getting smaller.

Monday provides another opportunity for contenders to separate themselves — and for challengers to produce the type of upset that can reshape next week’s ISCA rankings.

College Men’s Soccer Action

FRANKLIN AT BLACKBURN

Franklin College gets Monday’s varsity action started with a trip to Carlinville, Illinois, to face Blackburn.

The Grizzlies enter looking for their first victory of the season after going 0-2-2 through their opening four matches.

Franklin has been competitive despite the record.

The Grizzlies opened September with a narrow 3-2 loss to Wabash before playing Albion to a scoreless draw. Franklin then earned a 1-1 road draw against Heidelberg before dropping a 1-0 decision at Asbury.

That means three of Franklin’s first four matches have either been draws or decided by one goal.

Monday provides another opportunity for the Grizzlies to turn those competitive performances into their first victory.

Kickoff: 4 p.m. ET