The San Diego Section boys soccer playoffs began Tuesday night and there were a few surprises coming out of the first round that helped set up some interesting match ups for Friday's quarterfinal games.
Here's a quick view at the upcoming boys quarterfinal matches:
Division I
Chula Vista (14-7-3) at San Pasqual (18-3-2), 5 p.m.
The Chula Vista Spartans didn't waste any time trying to make a statement in the tournament with a 3-1 win against visiting Escondido. The Spartans will travel to San Pasqual on Friday for a quarterfinal match.
Mira Mesa (13-6-6) at Poway (23-1-3), 7 p.m.
If we are talking about upsets, we might want to mention Mira Mesa. The Marauders are in the quarterfinals thanks to a 1-0 win against host Rancho Buena Vista in what some might consider an upset. Mira Mesa is set to face top-seeded Poway on Friday night.
Granite Hills (12-4-9) at Torrey Pines (11-7-5)
Torrey Pines earned a first-round bye and is expected to be fresh heading into this match but don't wait for the Falcons to be relaxed. They are facing a Granite Hills team that is carrying some momentum from a 3-1 win against Otay Ranch on Tuesday.
San Diego (10-9-4) at Calexico (9-9-5) winner at Rancho Bernardo (14-5-1), 5 p.m.
This is a first-round match between two teams looking to make a mark in a bracket filled by traditionally elite programs.
Division II
Oceanside (10-8-8) at San Marcos (16-3-3), 5 p.m.
Oceanside has always been known for its American football tradition and championships but it has also had championship-caliber soccer teams. They took a section title in 2008. Not so much in recent years but the Pirates are hoping to reach an elite level again. And what better way to make a run at the Division II banner than with a 1-0 upset of host Valhalla on Tuesday night. Javier Gamboa scored in the 50th minute to help the Pirates advance. Oceanside will now visit San Marcos in the quarterfinals.
El Cajon Valley (12-7-2) at Bonita Vista (16-6-1), 5 p.m.
El Cajon Valley beat 2-1 La Costa Canyon on Tuesday to advance to the quarterfinals where it will visit Bonita Vista, which is coming off a first round bye. The Barons have yet to reach a section final the last two seasons. Coach Jason Murphy's squad feels this could be the year they can get to a title match.
Mount Carmel (12-9-4) at Westview 16-2-5), 6 p.m.
All it took was one score to send Mount Carmel to the next round in a 1-0 win against visiting Orange Glen. The Sun Devils will travel to face No. 1-seeded Westview on Friday night in a match-up of respected North County programs. Westview should be fresh off a bye.
Scripps Ranch (15-5-3) vs. Hilltop (22-3-1) at Montgomery High, 5 p.m.
Scripps Ranch squeezed by West Hills with a 1-0 win Tuesday and the Falcons could be facing their toughest task this season. They travel to Chula Vista to take on No. 2 seeded Hilltop, a nationally ranked team.
Division III
Santana (10-12-2) at St. Augustine (12-3-5) at Balboa Stadium, 4 p.m.
St. Augustine is hungry to get to the next round and have a chance at playing for a shot at the division final. Santana is trying to continue a magical season with an upset of the Saints.
Canyon Crest (12-7-2) at Castle Park (18-3-1), 5 p.m.
Castle Park is the defending champion. Canyon Crest is what some consider a Cinderella team. Should be an interesting game.
University City (11-8) at Cathedral Catholic (16-5-3), 6 p.m.
These are two experienced teams that like to play in a handful of preseason tournaments to mimic the tough match-ups they could face in the playoffs. Both teams might be glad they did that. Expect both to come out attacking and try to score early.
La Jolla (10-8-3) at Southwest (16-4-1) 7 p.m.
Southwest is on a roll. The Raiders haven't lost since early January. Did the first-round bye cool them off? Will La Jolla be able to take advantage and pull of a huge upset?
Division IV
SD High Tech (13-4-1) at Coronado (21-1), 5 p.m.
The No. 1 seeded Islanders will host a High Tech team that is used to practicing at local parks and doesn't always have the resources to play in major tournaments. Coronado hosts its own tournament, one of the most popular in the county.
Holtville (10-11-2) at Bishop's (12-1-2), 3:30 p.m.
Holtville is coming off a lopsided 11-1 win against Mountain Empire. Don't expect that many goals against a Bishop's team that likes to pride in a stingy defense.
CV High Tech High (13-5-2) at Mater Dei Catholic (7-10-3), 5 p.m.
This is the battle of two Chula Vista schools that come from different ends of the spectrum. High Tech has limited resources and players that don't always play on club teams. Mater Dei has a state-of-the-art home, artificial turf field and a stadium. It is a program that helps produce players to the national residency program. Many of them come from elite club teams. But that won't matter. Expect a fierce match up.
Christian (9-11-3) st Francis Parker (15-2-3), 5 p.m.
Christian has its hands full after beating Guajome Park 5-3. Parker is regarded as one of the top small school programs in the county.
Division V
King Chavez (10-6-1) at Borrego Springs (14-2-1), 5 p.m.
Borrego Springs had a first-round bye with the No. 1 seed. King Chavez is coming off a 2-1 win against Maranatha Christian.
Horizon (6-16-1) at Santa Fe Christian (6-11-4), 5 p.m.
This is a battle of two playoff teams with losing records but don't count out this game. It could be an intriguing one. Horizon is hot off a 2-0 win against Tri-City Christian and SFC is the No. 4 seed for a reason.
Calvin Christian (14-2-2) at Pacific Ridge (18-0-3), 4 p.m.
Pacific Ridge is the only undefeated team in the county and has virtually gone unnoticed. A win here and the school will be a step closer to a section final. Will it take a title for Pacific Ridge to be recognized? That might make this match much more important for both schools. Knock off the only unbeaten team and Calvin Christian could gain more respect.
Gompers (10-3) at Calipatria (13-2-2), 5 p.m.
Calipatria is coming off a bye while Gompers squeezed by Vincent Memorial with a 1-0 overtime win in the first round.
