Matchup: Emmaus (District 11 runner-up) vs Abington (District 1 runner-up)
When/Where: Tuesday 7 p.m./Hatboro-Horsham HS
What’s on the line: A berth in the quarterfinals on Saturday vs winner of Seneca Valley (Dist. 7 champ) or Hempfield (Dist. 3 fourth-place)
Coaches: Emmaus – John Cari (14th season); Abington – Randy Garber
Coverage – Twitter (@Emmaussports.com); Facebook (Emmaus boys soccer)
History in states: Emmaus is making its 19th appearance in states; The Hornets last appeared in states 2016 (losing to CR North 2-1 in OT) and in 2015 (losing to Conestoga 2-1 (6-5 in PKs)…..Emmaus advanced to quarterfinal round in 2006 when they beat Souderton in the opening-round before losing to Neshaminy. They also advanced to the quarterfinals in ’04 and made it to the state finals in 2000 finishing runner-up to North Allegheny
Probable starters: Emmaus – Sr. Def. Callen Reid (6g), Jr. MF Eric Johnson (3g/3a), Jr. F Jake Groh (15g/5a), Jr. MF AJ Febbraro (2g/2a), Jr. Def. Thomas Hanvey (4g/12a), Sr. F Justin Llado (6g/1a), Sr. Def. Alex Aiken, Sr. F Creyn Muthard, Sr. Def. Connor Dang, Jr. GK Aidan Connolly, Jr. MF Andrew Gaines.
Abington key players – Sr. F Sean Touey (28 goals), Soph. MF Bryce Lexow, Sr. MF Jack Failing, Jr. Def/MF Reese Gibbs, Jr. MF Nevin Baer, Sr. Def. Liam Campbell, Sr. Def. Nate Rose, Sr. Def. Vince Carosella
Scouting the Ghosts – Abington is 20-2 overall and finished runner-up in District 1 after falling to CB West 2-1 in the championship game on Saturday ….A year ago, the Ghosts went 12-6 ….Abington competes in the Suburban One American Conference where they went 13-1 …. Abington coach Randy Garber following his team’s District 1 semifinal win over Unionville (via papreplive.com): “It’s no secret the style we play; we played direct tonight and put defenses on their heels. We’ve scored a lot of goals this year and have people who can score.” ….Abington is in states for the first time since 2012