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Predictions for Lebanon County district soccer matchups


Six Lebanon County teams still have the dream of a district championship, but how many dreams will remain after a round of postseason play?

Here’s some predictions to get you ready for the beginning of the District 3 soccer tournament.

Boys soccer

Class 2A Quarterfinals: #4 Elco at #5 Oley Valley, Saturday, 7 p.m. 

The Raiders will certainly be tested right away, facing a Lynx team peaking at the right time after a strong finish to the regular season that saw it win eight of its last nine, including four straight.

Elco did face Oley Valley in a scrimmage during the preseason, so there’s some familiarity there. The Raiders are also looking to turn the page after a rough showing in the L-L Tournament.

But Elco’s depth and chemistry should lead them to victory not only in this game, but through a deep postseason run.

Prediction: Elco 2, Oley Valley 1

Class 2A first round: #10 Annville-Cleona at #7 Boiling Springs, Tuesday, Oct. 25, 7 p.m.

Obviously Eli Setlock is the major factor for the Dutchmen, having scored over 20 goals.

The Bubblers have a goal-scorer of their own in Benjamin Cole, who reached double digits in goals as well.

Other guys will need to step up for A-C to open things up for Setlock, and everyone will need to be on the same page defensively.

Boiling Springs also didn’t finish the regular season as well as it would’ve liked, on a three-game winless streak.

The Dutchmen rise to the occasion and pull off the upset.

Prediction: Annville-Cleona 2, Boiling Springs 1

Class 3A first round: #14 Palmyra at #3 Gettysburg, Monday, Oct. 24, 7 p.m. 
Even though the Cougars were working back some guys battling back from injury, they still have struggled putting balls in the back of the net, only scoring one goal in the last five games.

And scoring is going to come at a premium in this one, as the Warriors allowed one goal or less 16 times, leading to as many wins.

The Cougars can hang tough defensively to stay in it, but just don’t think it’ll be enough offensively.

Prediction: Gettysburg 1, Palmyra 0

Girls Soccer

Class 3A first round: #12 Twin Valley at #5 Elco, Monday, Oct. 24, 7 p.m. 

This is a pretty good test for the Raiders, now looking to get back on a run after a first-round exit in the L-L Tournament. The Raiders are looking to do the same, having lost three of their last four after a six-game win streak.

Elco, of course, will need the likes of Ryelle Shuey, Jenna Oliviero, Taylor Bossert, and others, to keep the Twin Valley back line occupied.

And like the boys team, depth and chemistry prevail, and could lead to a deep postseason run.

Prediction: Elco 3, Twin Valley 2

Class 3A first round: #16 Palmyra at #1 Fleetwood, Monday, Oct. 24, 7 p.m. 

Talk about the tallest of mountains to climb, facing a team that's No. 1 ranked, and riding high off a conference title.

What’s led to all the success for Fleetwood is a stout defense that posted over 10 shutouts.

The Lady Cougars will need all hands on deck from the likes of Mara Bowman, Nikki Bowman, Hannah Bowman, Camryn Simpson, and Eden Haldeman, who’s stepped up recently.

If Palmyra can finally find some offensive consistency, it can find a way to stay with the top-seed.

Prediction: Fleetwood 2, Palmyra 1.

Class 4A first round: #13 Cedar Crest at #4 Conestoga Valley, Tuesday, Oct. 25, 7 p.m. 

This is going to be a battle. The Falcons have scratched and clawed to put themselves in the postseason, and the Buckskins are looking to prove themselves as one of the best.

Cedar Crest too, has given itself some confidence after fighting their way in.

The Falcons' speed up front will be key in this one, as they face a very good CV defense that has posted numerous shutouts. If Cedar Crest can find a way to pester and tire out the Buckskin defenders, this could be an interesting one.

And though maybe it may not have been indicated on the scoreboard at times, Cedar Crest has fought tooth and nail with CV this season. Expect no different on a bigger stage.

But with this Buckskin team already solid on the back line, they have some scoring threats too that will keep the Falcons busy.

Prediction: Conestoga Valley 2, Cedar Crest 1