Soccer Game Preview: Mater Dei vs. Servite

The Mater Dei Monarchs will head out to face off against the Servite Friars at 3:15 p.m. on Friday. Mater Dei's last three matches have been decided by no more than a goal, so don't be surprised if it's a close one.

Mater Dei is coming in fresh off a high-stakes matchup with another one of California's top teams: Orange Lutheran, who was ranked sixth at the time (Mater Dei was ranked second). The Monarchs and the Lancers finished up their matchup with a 1-1 draw on Wednesday.

Mater Dei's goal came courtesy of James Obleda, who's now up to nine this season.

Meanwhile, Servite kept a clean sheet against Santa Margarita on Wednesday. They put the hurt on the Eagles with a sharp 3-0 victory. The result was nothing new for Servite, who have now won five contests by three goals or more so far this season.

Servite's win bumped their record up to 9-5. With that draw, Mater Dei's record moves to 10-0-2.

Mater Dei beat Servite 2-0 in their previous meeting two weeks ago. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Monarchs since the squad won't have the home-pitch advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.