Who: Yuma Catholic (17-1) vs. Valley Christian (18-2); When: 6:30 p.m. today
Where: Mesa Community College, 1833 W. Southern Ave. Outlook: This is a rematch of last year’s semifinal, which was won by the Shamrocks 3-2.
Valley Christian is in the midst of a 10-game winning streak and has mustered plenty of offense in the tournament, scoring nine goals in two games. Paul Barker, Isaac Nelson and Johnny Humphrey led the Trojans’ offense into the semifinals, but goalkeeper Shawn Vance will need to play at his best against a strong Shamrocks offense. Vance is undefeated as a starter this season. Both of Valley Christian's losses this season came with Vance out after knee surgery. Yuma Catholic will be seeking its third straight championship game berth. Last season, the Shamrocks lost in the title game after beating Seton for the 2004 crown.
Who: Safford (16-2) vs. Seton Catholic (17-3)
When: 8 p.m. today
Where: Mesa Community College, 1833 W. Southern Ave.
Outlook: The Sentinels are riding high after an emotional victory over defending state champion Glendale Northwest Christian in the quarterfinals. Seton would like nothing better than to get back to the championship game, where it could exact some revenge against either Yuma Catholic (the team that beat the Sentinels in the 2004 championship game) or Valley Christian (which handed Seton one of its three losses this season).
Offensive leader Eric Kielty came through in the clutch with a goal on a free kick with 38 seconds left in Seton's 2-1 quarterfinal win. The Sentinels have the edge in experience over a Bulldogs program that is in just its first year of competitive soccer at the 1A-3A level.
