Soccer Game Preview: Hayward vs. Encinal

Hayward is on a four-game streak of home losses, Encinal a five-game streak of away losses, but someone's luck will change on Tuesday. The Hayward Farmers will host the Encinal Jets at 6:00 p.m. Neither team made it on the board the last time they hit the pitch, so they've probably got a bit of extra motivation.

Hayward is likely headed into the match with a focus on the second half, which is when things went downhill against San Leandro on Thursday. Hayward took a 2-0 hit to the loss column at the hands of San Leandro.

Meanwhile, Encinal lost 8-1 to Tennyson on Friday. While losing is never fun, the Jets can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' California soccer rankings (they are ranked 1123rd, while the Lancers are ranked 396th).

Hayward's defeat dropped their record down to 2-8-1. As for Encinal, their loss dropped their record down to 0-10.

Hayward took their win against Encinal in their previous meeting back in February of 2024 by a conclusive 6-0. Will Hayward repeat their success, or does Encinal have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.