After sealing its perfect 13-0 season, McNary boys soccer found out it’s position in the OSAA 6A boys soccer state championship tournament.
Finishing as the OSAA ranked No. 5 school, McNary will open play against No. 28 Clackamas on Saturday, Oct. 29 at McNary at 6 p.m.
Clackamas (8-5-1, 4-3) finished fifth in the Mt. Hood Conference. Against top-25 schools, Clackamas went 2-2-1, including a 3-1 win against No. 9 Central Catholic.
Meanwhile, McNary has only played one school in the top-25 this season, two in-conference matches with No. 17 South Salem
While they can only play who’s on the schedule, the lack of top-tier competition could prove to be the Celtics’ undoing in the postseason, despite the high aspirations they hold.
The second round possibilities for McNary are either No. 12 Gresham or No. 21 McMinnville. Both games would be at home for McNary.
Gresham (10-2-2, 6-1) finished first in the Mt. Hood Conference, defeating Clackamas 5-2 in their only meeting. McMinnville (9-3-2, 3-2-1) finished third in the Pacific Conference.
Come the quarterfinals, McNary could be in store for some stout competition, with a meeting with No. 4 South Eugene in line without any upsets.
South Eugene (11-3-1, 9-2-1) won the Southwest Conference, but split their matches with the other two top-10 teams from the Southwest, No. 6 Willamette and No. 8 Grants Pass.
It is clear that nearly every other school the Celtics could face have had more experience against top teams this season. And if they make it through to the semifinals, it is very likely that No. 1 Jesuit is waiting for them.
Jesuit (9-1-4, 4-0-2) won the Metro League, and their only loss of the season came in non-conference play to No. 3 Lincoln.