CIF-SS Boys Soccer Playoffs: A Deep Dive into the Brackets and Format
The CIF Southern Section boys soccer playoffs are underway, with action heating up across eight divisions. This year’s competition features a mix of familiar powerhouses and rising contenders, all vying for a championship title. Understanding the playoff structure is key to following the action, and this year brings a unique format for the Open Division.
Open Division: Champions League Style Competition
The Open Division stands apart from the other divisions, adopting a two-game, home-and-home series format, mirroring the prestigious Champions League structure. Cumulative scores will determine which teams advance. This format adds an extra layer of strategy and excitement, as teams must perform consistently across two matches to progress.
First Round Matchups (Feb. 11)
- Palos Verdes (1) at Orange Lutheran (8)
- Valencia/P (4) at Cathedral (5)
- Redondo Union (3) at JSerra (6)
- Mater Dei (2) at Mira Costa (7)
Second Round Matchups (Feb. 13)
- Orange Lutheran (8) at Palos Verdes (1)
- Cathedral (5) at Valencia/P (4)
- JSerra (6) at Redondo Union (3)
- Mira Costa (7) at Mater Dei (2)
Divisions 1-8: Single-Elimination Battles
Outside of the Open Division, all other divisions (1 through 8) will follow a traditional single-elimination format. This means one loss and a team’s championship aspirations are over, creating high-stakes drama in every match. All games across all divisions are scheduled to begin at either 3 p.m. Or 5 p.m.
Key First Round Matchups Across Divisions
Division 1 (Feb. 11)
- Corona at Canyon/A
- Upland at Arlington
- Anaheim at San Juan Hills
Division 2 (Feb. 11)
- Salesian at Downey
- Sonora at Shadow Hills
- El Dorado at Los Osos
Division 3 (Feb. 11)
- Garey at West Torrance
- Buena Park at Northwood
- Los Altos at El Rancho
Division 4 (Feb. 11)
- Glendale at Granite Hills
- Santa Fe at Ramona
- Western at Notre Dame/SO
Division 5 (Feb. 11)
- Linfield Christian at Hart
- South El Monte at Santa Ana Valley
- Crespi at Fillmore
Division 6 (Feb. 11)
- Viewpoint at Kennedy
- Cate at Colton
- Bishop Montgomery at Alhambra
Division 7 (Feb. 11)
- Loma Linda Academy at Artesia
- Geffen Academy at Maranatha
- St. Monica Prep at Western Christian
Division 8 (Feb. 11)
- Ojai Valley at San Jacinto Lead. Acad.
- Providence/B at Lucerne Valley
- Fairmont Prep at Acad. Career Exp.
Following the Action
With a diverse range of teams and a compelling playoff format, the CIF-SS boys soccer playoffs promise exciting competition. Keep an eye on the Open Division’s two-game series and the high-pressure single-elimination matches in the other divisions as teams battle for supremacy.
FAQ
Q: What is the Open Division format?
A: The Open Division uses a two-game, home-and-home series decided by cumulative score.
Q: What time do the playoff games start?
A: All games start at either 3 p.m. Or 5 p.m.
Q: Are all divisions single-elimination?
A: No, only Divisions 1 through 8 are single-elimination. The Open Division has a different format.
Q: Where can I find updated brackets?
A: Check the CIF Southern Section website for the most current brackets, and scores.
