O'Dea Soccer State Preview 2022

It’s that time of the year again where spring sports come into the final stretch and state is upon us. Fortunately for the Irish, soccer was able to qualify for state for the second time in a row (last time being in 2019 due to the COVID Pandemic).

The team has a lot to prove as they come in as the 14 seed in the 20 team tournament. With that being said, nothing fears this team.

“We’ve had quite a few people injured throughout the course of the season and we’re finally getting them back so that should be a big help. Overall, I think it’s the level of competition we face. We play in the hardest league in the state playing teams like Lincoln and Lakeside on a regular basis. We can beat anybody and we know it” senior Saverio DeSimone says.

DeSimone may in fact have a good point as they beat the #12 ranked Chief Sealth Seahawks 3-0 to get to this point and knock the Seahawks out of contention for being able to play in state. This team is prepared mentally and physically to take on the challenge that is the state tournament.

As mentioned before, the Irish took down #12 Chief Sealth to get to state but they also beat #19 ranked Seattle Prep to grasp 3rd place in the entire Metro League. This win for sure gave the team some momentum going into state to take on their next opponent.

The Irish’s next opponent is the Auburn Riverside. Coming into state the teams were pretty much even in basis of the RPI rankings with the Irish at 24 and the Ravens at 25. The Ravens come into state taking 5th in their district with a win over Central Kitsap. Overall, this should be a hard-fought matchup considering how close the teams are in the rankings, but you never know with O’Dea’s return of players from injuries.

The matchup with Auburn Riverside will take place on May 18th at Memorial Stadium in Seattle. Roll Irish!