Advantage Federal Credit Union Boys’ Soccer Far West Regional Preview: Hornell, East Aurora to battle in Class B for second-straight year

For the second time in as many years, Hornell and East Aurora will matchup in the Class B Boys’ Soccer Far West Regional with a NYSPHSAA Semifinal appearance on the line. Here’s the breakdown:

HORNELL RED RAIDERS (16-1-1 / Livingston I)
vs.
EAST AURORA BLUE DEVILS (18-2-0 / ECIC IV)

How they arrived here: Hornell (No. 6 NYSSWA) defeated Letchworth/Warsaw (5-0), Haverling (8-0) and Wellsville (1-0) to advance to the Class B championship game. The Red Raiders then beat Avon 1-0 to capture the Class B title for the second-straight year. Reigning state champion East Aurora (No. 3 NYSSWA) dropped Tonawanda (5-0), Fredonia (8-0) and top-seeded Lafayette International 1-0 to capture the Section VI Class B1 title. The Blue Devils then beat Southwestern 4-0 to advance to the Far West Regional.

Total goals scored: Hornell (78), East Aurora (96)

Total goals allowed: Hornell (12), East Aurora (11)

Trends:  Hornell and East Aurora are both riding a 10-game win streak, with East Aurora recording eight-straight clean sheets. Both squads have yet to concede a goal in the postseason.

Players to watch for Hornell: Wyatt Evingham Jr. F (20 G, 18 A); Gabriel Rasephei Jr. M (12 G, four A); PJ Picco Sr. M (11 G, 13 A); Marco Picco Jr. M (11 G, seven A); Aquiles Souza So. MF (four G, six A); Alfie Whiteley Jr. GK (25 saves, nine goals against).

East Aurora: Lucas Jamesson So. M; Carter Hill Sr. D; Owen Mack Jr. F; Noah Bernys So. M; Charles Finnerty Jr. GK.

Coaches: Jim Tobin (Hornell), Kevin Beale (East Aurora)

History 101: Last season, East Aurora and Hornell matched up in the Class B Far West Regional, with the Blue Devils coming out victorious 7-1. East Aurora would eventually go on to defeat Chenango Forks (2-0) and Spackenkill (2-1) to capture the NYSPHSAA Class B title. Hornell is making its third trip to the state quarterfinals having also advanced in 2006. The Red Raiders are looking to clinch their first state semifinal appearance in program history.

East Aurora is making its 13th regional appearance with an overall record of 4-6-2 in the state quarterfinals. The Blue Devils are looking to clinch a fifth trip in 10 years to state semis having advanced to the final four in 2014, ’15, ’18 and ’23.

What’s at stake: A spot in the NYS Class B semifinal against either Westhill (III) or Mechanicville (II).

Kickoff is set for noon on Saturday at Geneseo High School.