Soccer Game Preview: Academy of the Sacred Heart vs. Richard

The Academy of the Sacred Heart Gazelles will square off against the Richard Pioneers at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Academy of the Sacred Heart's offense has struggled lately (the team hasn't scored more than a single goal for seven straight games), a trend the team is no doubt ready to end.

Having struggled with six losses in a row, Academy of the Sacred Heart turned things around against Lutheran Northwest last Wednesday. They and the Crusaders finished up their matchup with a 1-1 draw. The result (or lack thereof) marked Academy of the Sacred Heart's first draw of the season.

Meanwhile, Monday just wasn't the day for Richard's offense. They came up short against St. Catherine of Siena Academy two weeks ago, falling 7-0. While losing is never fun, Richard can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Michigan soccer rankings (they are ranked 245th, while St. Catherine of Siena Academy are ranked 66th).

Richard has also traveled a rocky road recently, having lost three of their last four games. That's put a noticeable dent in their 4-4 record this season. Academy of the Sacred Heart's draw gives them a new season record of 1-6-1.

Everything went Academy of the Sacred Heart's way against Richard when the teams last played back in May of 2024, as Academy of the Sacred Heart made off with a 6-0 win. Do the Gazelles have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Pioneers turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.