Sep. 19—WORTHINGTON — The Worthington Adult Sunday Soccer League will play its final playoff round this Sunday, Sept. 24.
Advancing to the championship game from the top division is Ixchiguan, which posted a 3-1 result in the semifinals over stalwart San Lorenzo, and tournament surprise Loma Linda.
Loma Linda entered the playoffs as the first-ever sixth seed. Loma Linda upset Roble in the quarterfinal round. League organizer Eswin Hernandez said it’s been a long time since Roble was knocked out so early in the postseason. Loma Linda continued its Cinderella run with a victory over first place Cabanas in the semifinals by a narrow score of 1-0.
Ixchiguan handily defeated Aguitas in the semifinals.
In the second division, Huiscoyol won 4-0 over Iowa. Iowa entered the tournament as a four seed and defeated Celajes in the quarterfinal round. Huiscoyol was atop the table for the second division.
In the other second division game, La Seleccion defeated Tecos 2-1. Tecos entered the postseason as the third team and defeated Nicas in the quarterfinals.
As of Monday afternoon, the status of the second division championship game was undetermined due to potential suspensions and disciplinary actions yet to be determined from the La Seleccion and Tecos game. Sunday League has a strict no fighting rule and organizer Hernandez had not yet decided on repercussions.
As for the premier division, Loma Linda and Ixchiguan are slated to play at Worthington’s Buss Field at 2 p.m. Sunday for the championship.
Ixchiguan enters the game as an expected favorite — with some of the area’s finest talent including Miguel Ramirez, who scored in the semifinals. Ramirez, a big and fast forward, also plays for the Worthington Community Football Club in the United Premier Soccer League.
But, Loma Linda can not be counted out, as the team also features recognizable talent — and doubles as the team on a hot streak.
Season awards — as determined by the organizers and members of Sunday League — will be posted in the following weeks by The Globe.
