The Pearl River and Tappan Zee boys soccer teams met twice this season. Both games ended in ties.
Another deadlock will not be an option when they meet for the third time this season 3 p.m. Monday at Pearl River, when the teams face off in the Section 1 Class A quarterfinals.
"It's going to be a great one," Pearl River Head Coach Damon O'Keefe said after the Pirates' 4-2 victory over Hendrick Hudson Friday. "We're excited. These guys surely are excited. You have two rivals, two teams that went undefeated in our league. Now someone, unfortunately, is going to lose. Hopefully, it's not us."
Tappan Zee (12-3-2) entered the tournament as the No. 6 seed and edged Sleepy Hollow, 2-1, in Friday's first round. Pearl River (12-3-2) is the No. 3 seed in the tournament, though the Pirates were unhappy with their uneven performance Friday. Senior Brian Chiarello said that would serve as additional motivation, as would playing the rival Dutchmen.
"It's a big rival. They tided us twice in the league," Chiarello said. "Everyone has to play well. If we don't, it's not going to go well for us."
Defense has been a key for both teams. The Pirates feature a deep, veteran defensive group backed by goalie Pat Guerin. They often creates opportunities offensively in transition. The Dutchmen feature a standout goalkeeper of their own in senior Juan Umana.
"They have good backs and defense," Chiarello said. "They like to play back on us. We have to sneak one in and dominate on defense. Our defense is strong enough not to let anything through."
The winner of Monday's game will advance to the semifinals Wednesday against the winner of Monday's game between No. 2 Lakeland and No. 7 Keio. That game would be played at the home field of the highest remaining seed.
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