Andrews Osborne-Beachwood boys soccer regional final capsule
Nov. 2—Andrews Osborne vs. Beachwood
What: Division III regional final
When: 1 p.m., Nov. 4
Where: Boardman, 7777 Glenwood Avenue
Records: Andrews Osborne 15-0-1, Beachwood 19-2
What's next: The winner advances to a state semifinal at 7 p.m. Nov. 8 against Ottoville or Kidron Central Christian at a site to be determined.
What to look for: One way or another, history will be made in Boardman amid this all News-Herald coverage area regional final, as the victor will secure the first boys soccer state final four berth in school lore. Andrews Osborne continues to impress with its unbeaten campaign, now advancing further than it ever has. The Phoenix have had their standouts since returning to the Ohio High School Athletic Association, particularly 2019 News-Herald boys soccer player of the year Andro Filipovic. But between postseason success and depth, this has to be the most complete side AOA has fielded. It's noted a thousand times over because it's praiseworthy: The Phoenix don't know what they have until assembling around Labor Day, their international boarding students who comprise the majority of the side coming to the United States and developing cohesion and camaraderie on the fly. AOA is paced in the offensive third by junior Lucas Alonso Garcia (20 goals), sophomore Diego Rivas (17) and senior Manu Nieto (16). Rivas, a native of Madrid, is also over 20 assists on the fall, as is senior Ishmael Mensah, who hails from Ghana. Under Coach Drago Dumbovic, there is nothing coy about the Phoenix: They want to get wide, playing all the way to the endline, want to hit long chip service and maximize pace. The overall product is a lot of fun to watch when this side is on form. Beachwood has breakthrough aspirations all its own. A wire-to-wire top-three side in The News-Herald boys soccer Top of the Crop, the Bison grinded out a 2-1 regional semifinal win in extra time over Independence. The standout at the controls is junior midfielder Grant Keilin (36-18), whose 1v1 skill, touch-on-a-string potential, set-piece danger and broader value to his side will have him deep in the running for 2023 News-Herald boys soccer player of the year. Senior Ozan Sasmaz (11-8) is a dependable performer on the wing or up top and has good size and run sense. Jaycob Zabell (12-4) has come on in the attack, and Leo Blond (10-7) and Daniel Park (10-2) have had breakthrough seasons. Senior Jonathan Mo (4-10) is a linchpin with his ballwinning and initiation. In the back, Kyle Bennett and Strahinja Dimitrijevic are a capable duo at center back, both adept on set pieces when needed as well. The key to this match will be how Beachwood manages AOA's width in the defensive third. If it can alter that width and thread through Keilin and Mo into the attack, it'll go a long way toward a result. If Mensah deictates the middle of the park and Rivas is as dynamic as he can be, AOA will be on its way.
