The soccer season is rolling along in Lexington County, and with just under a month of games to go until the playoffs, the real contenders are beginning to gain separation in the standings. 

Entering this week, 14 local teams sit in the upper half of their conference standings. Boys or girls, Lexington County is full of teams aiming to finish on top. 

In the area’s major 5A conference, Chapin’s boys have earned an early advantage. The Eagles are the final undefeated team in the region, while Lexington is right behind with one loss. 

Chapin’s win over Lexington two weeks ago gives the Eagles a one-up on the Wildcats. The game against Chapin is Lexington’s only loss so far this season, in region or not. 

The Wildcats are (13-1) this year and can get even with the Eagles by beating them in their rematch on April 14. 

Dutch Fork and River Bluff are not far behind, sitting tied for third at (2-2). The pair played last week, and the Silver Foxes took the win 2-0. 

With every team set to play the other again, the region is still wide open. 

For the girls, it’s currently a two-team race between Lexington and River Bluff. The Wildcats and Gators each began the week (4-0) and played a highly anticipated game on Tuesday after the Chronicle’s press deadline. 

The Wildcats and Gators have had a fabulous start to the season, each sitting with just one total loss. The winner of their first meeting will have a big advantage as the season continues. 

Chapin is chasing close behind but is at a two-loss disadvantage. 

Irmo, Dutch Fork and White Knoll are in the bottom half of the conference, looking to claw themselves out. 

In the lower classifications, a few teams are in contention. 

Gray Collegiate’s boys are a half game behind South Aiken for first place coming into this week. The War Eagles are (6-1) in region and beat South Aiken in their first meeting. The Thoroughbreds hold the top spot now due to playing more games and having an extra win.

Gray’s girls are also competing with South Aiken for the top spot in their region. The War Eagles are a full game back after losing to South Aiken 1-0 earlier in the season. 

Gilbert’s girls are third in the region and have a shot at overtaking South Aiken and Gray if the season swings their way. The Indians are (5-3) in region and will have some catching up to do. 

Both of Swansea’s teams are contending in their 3A conference. The Tigers’ boys are (3-0) and have overcome a sluggish non-region season. The team is (4-8) overall and a half game back from Newberry, at (4-0) in the region standings. 

The girls are (2-1) in region, sitting behind Newberry and Fox Creek. 

Lastly, in 2A, Batesburg-Leesville’s boys are in a race to the finish with Saluda. Both teams are (4-0) to begin this week, with more region games on deck. The pair played for the first time this season on Tuesday after the Chronicle’s press deadline. 

Next week, more games will be played, and there will be a clearer picture of how the region standings will shape up. As more games are played, the field will either tighten or expand. 

Upcoming games to watch

River Bluff vs. White Knoll girls - April 2

Dutch Fork vs. Chapin boys - April 2

Irmo vs. Lexington girls - April 2

Batesburg-Leesville at Strom Thurmond boys - April 2

Gray Collegiate vs. Eastside girls - April 6

Gray Collegiate vs. Blythewood boys - April 7

Last week’s top performances 

Giovani Eisman recorded three goals and an assist for American Leadership as the team defeated Lower Richland. 

Avery Stoner scored all three of Chapin’s goals in a shutout win over Irmo. 

Gabe Sansbury had two goals and added two assists in a 6-0 Chapin win over Irmo. 

Hailey Jiminez-Cortez finished with two goals and an assist in Brookland-Cayce’s win versus Midland Valley. 

Brooke Ogorek had two goals and an assist as River Bluff took down Dutch Fork. 

Will Webber assisted on both of Gray Collegiate’s goals as the team held off North Augusta 2-1.