Soccer Game Preview: Cherokee vs. Highlands

Cherokee is 0-10 against Highlands since April of 2019 but things could change on Thursday. The Cherokee Braves will venture away from home to take on the Highlands Highlanders at 6:00 p.m. Cherokee has given up an average of 2.8 goals per game this season, so hopefully the team got some defensive drills in this week.

Cherokee is coming in off a wild two-game stretch: after soaring to four goals last Monday, they were much more limited against Swain County on Tuesday. They came up short against the Maroon Devils, falling 6-0.

Meanwhile, after failing to score in their last matchup, Highlands made sure to put some goals up on the board against Blue Ridge Early College on Monday. They were the clear victor by a 9-1 margin over the Bobcats. Gabriela Diaz Martinez was a massive factor in the win as she booted in five goals all by herself.

Highlands now has a winning record of 2-1. As for Cherokee, their loss dropped their record down to 2-2.

Cherokee couldn't quite get it done against Highlands in their previous meeting back in April of 2024 as they fell 2-0. Can Cherokee avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.