3A soccer crown up for grabs

Over the years, the Class 3A boys soccer tournament has developed a reputation for producing sensational early round matchups.

Several of those contests yielded truly memorable moments.

Who can forget Waterford's monumental 2-1 upset over top-ranked Ogden in the 2003 quarterfinals? Or Ogden's controversial come-from-behind overtime win over Juan Diego two seasons ago?

And let's not forget last year, which saw highly touted Park City, the eventual winner, claw past Ogden in overtime of the opening round.

Whether another moment like that awaits in 2007 remains to be seen, but it's a possibility. There should be several good first-round matchups, and three outstanding quarterfinal showdowns could be on the cards.

On the eve of the 3A tournament, which begins with first-round games Wednesday afternoon, this much seems clear: Like the rest of the state, this 3A field appears to be wide open.

"I think it's anybody's year," said Pine View coach Mark Cottle, who brings the No. 1-ranked team to the tourney.

Back in the preseason, Pine View rattled off wins over three of last year's four semifinalists — Bear River, Wasatch and Park City — to establish itself as the classification's No. 1 team.

The Panthers are relatively young, but seniors Daniel Pimental, Wes Musso, Mitch Holm, Francisco Arellano and Cabett Richards have led the way.

Whether Class 3A has caught up to the talented Panthers over the course of the regular season is the burning question. It won't take long to figure out the answer as Pine View will face highly regarded Juan Diego or traditionally strong Ogden in the quarterfinals if it can get past Tooele.

There are some who still feel Juan Diego might actually be the team to beat. And when you're talking about the Soaring Eagle, don't let the fact that the team in unranked fool you.

Though Juan Diego has failed to handle the tremendous pressure placed on the team back in the preseason, the Soaring Eagle didn't play with its entire first-choice team in a single game until it played Waterford.