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Provo boys soccer earns top seed for 5A state playoffs

By Jared Lloyd - | May 11, 2022

Jared Lloyd, Daily Herald

Provo and Wasatch players battle for the ball during the Region 9 game at Provo on Thursday, April 21, 2022.

Heading into Wednesday’s publication of the final ratings percentage index (RPI) rankings for 5A state boys soccer, it wasn’t certain who would come out on top.

Would it be Alta, who was 14-2? Or Wasatch and Murray, both of which were 13-3?

In the end, thanks to slightly better opponent win percentage and opponent’s opponent win percentage, Provo (14-2) was given that spot and the No. 1 seed in the upcoming playoffs.

The Bulldogs — who only lost to the Wasps and Ridgeline during the regular season — were one of four teams with local ties to be slotted in the top eight positions and thus get a bye to the second round.

It was a solid achievement for a Provo squad that made it to the 5A quarterfinals as the No. 22 seed last year and had a lot of talent returning.

While Alta was the No. 2 seed, Wasatch came in at No. 3, Lehi (11-4) was No. 5 and Timpanogos (10-4) got the No. 8 spot.

Even No. 13 seed Salem Hills (11-6) and No. 14 seed Orem (9-8) don’t yet know who they will be playing yet, however.

That’s because there are 33 teams in the tournament so 18 have to compete in play-in games, which will take place on Thursday.

No. 23 seed Spanish Fork and No. 24 seed Maple Mountain will host play-in games (against Uintah and Tooele respectively), while Timpview (No. 27 seed), Springville (No. 28 seed), Cedar Valley (No. 29 seed), Payson (No. 31 seed) and Mountain View (No. 33 seed) will be on the road.

There are always upsets in soccer, so no one should be surprised if someone unexpected gets a win or two and makes a run.

The official first round games will take place after the play-in games are completes and are set to be played on Saturday, while the second round games will be on May 17.

It’s not quite as complicated in Class 6A boys soccer, since there are fewer teams. It also wasn’t a year where Utah Valley teams were up to their normal standards in terms of success.

No local team ended up in the top eight of the RPI standings, with Pleasant Grove (10-7) earning the highest spot at No. 9.

Right behind the Vikings was Lone Peak (9-7) who came in at No. 10.

It’s safe to say that Westlake (8-9) and American Fork (7-8) both feel like they could’ve been much higher than where they landed at No. 15 and No. 16. Skyridge, which reached the title game in 2021, struggled to a 4-13 record and are at No. 22.

All five teams will be in action in the first round on Friday, with four teams hosting as the Vikings face No. 24 seed Clearfield, the Knights play No. 23 seed West Jordan, the Thunder taking on No. 18 seed Herriman and the Cavemen battle No. 17 seed Roy.

The Falcons will be on the road as they take on No. 11 seed Riverton.

The winners of those first round games will then move on to play in the second round on May 17.

For complete RPI details and the state tournament brackets, go to UHSAA.org.

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