BLYTHEWOOD — Blythewood boys’ soccer is entering the postseason exactly how a top-seeded team should: dominant, and disciplined. After clinching their second straight Region 5-5A title, the Bengals closed their regular season with a pair of shutouts to finish with a perfect 12-0 region record, 18-1-1 overall.
The final stretch began April 24 with a gritty 1-0 road victory over Sumter. In a match that mirrored their region win against West Florence, senior Henry Rohe provided the only goal necessary to secure the win. The Bengals’ defense, a trademark of head coach Robby Setzler’s squad, preserved another clean sheet.
Blythewood’s regular-season finale on May 1 was more explosive. The Bengals dismantled Ridge View 6-0 at home, led by junior Daulton Purcell, who netted two goals and an assist. Blythewood also saw goals from Junior Boateng, David Ratliff, Paxton Brunetto, and Carter House. Cayden Berzins also added two assists to his season tally; Diego Mateo had one assist.
Keepers Brandon Hart and Garrison Little split time in the season finale, combining for four saves to ensure Blythewood’s second straight shutout, their third in four games. Outscoring their season opponents 70-9, the Bengals enter the playoffs averaging 3.5 goals per match, combined with obe of the stingiest defenses in the state.
Blythewood earned the top seed in the Class 5A Division 1 Upper State bracket. The Bengals, who received a first-round bye, are positioned as the team to beat ahead of the No. 2, J.L. Mann (18-4).
Blythewood opens postseason play on Saturday, May 9 at home against the winner of the Spring Valley and Wade Hampton matchup. In regular season play, Blythewood downed Spring Valley 3-2 in a March overtime matchup and 4-1 in late April. A win will put the Bengals into the quarterfinals on May 12.
With the state championship set for May 23, Setzler’s squad is now just four wins away from achieving the program’s ultimate goal.