Greenbrier looks forward to rematch in semifinals

Greenbrier got its wish.

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The Wolfpack boys soccer team scored a 3-0 win over Lakeside High School from Dekalb County on Saturday in the Class AAAA state quarterfinals. The win advanced the team to the state semifinals and a long-awaited rematch with McIntosh.

"We're not trying to look past anybody, but we're looking forward to playing McIntosh again," Greenbrier junior Matt McCue said.

McCue's comments came almost two weeks ago, when the Wolfpack were just beginning state tournament play. The Greenbrier boys sat three wins away from the state semifinals and a possible rematch with McIntosh. After cruising through three state playoff wins, that rematch is a reality.

Greenbrier, who entered the week ranked Class AAAA No. 2, will face No. 1 McIntosh in the semifinals today at 6 p.m. at Greenbrier High School.

The matchup is exactly what the Wolfpack have wanted since March 10. That's the night Greenbrier lost its only game of the season - a 1-0 loss to McIntosh. The game, held at McIntosh, went scoreless through regulation and overtime and was finally decided on penalty kicks. It's the only blemish on a Greenbrier record of 20-1.

The Wolfpack hope to return the favor.

"As soon as the (state quarterfinals) game was over, the consensus was we wanted to play them again," Greenbrier boys soccer coach Chip Warren said. "The boys are looking forward to it."

The winner of today's game will advance to the Class AAAA state championship match Saturday.

If the Wolfpack win the semifinals game, the state finals will be held at Greenbrier.