Lewis and Clark, Ridgeline, Pullman take top Greater Spokane League seeds into district play | Prep boys soccer

As the regular season fades into the rearview mirror, the Greater Spokane League (GSL) boys soccer landscape is set for a thrilling postseason. The District 6 playoffs kick off Thursday, May 8, with teams from across Spokane and the surrounding region battling for a coveted berth in the state tournament. The brackets are loaded with talent, and the stakes have never been higher. Leading the charge are three powerhouse programs: Lewis and Clark, Ridgeline, and Pullman, each securing top seeds that set the stage for a dramatic run to the championship.

This year’s tournament is a fascinating mix of established GSL royalty and rising challengers. The Mid-Columbia Conference (MCC) champion Chiawana enters as the state’s top-rated team according to the RPI system, but the GSL’s depth cannot be underestimated. With Lewis and Clark dominating the 3A/4A bracket and Ridgeline and Pullman controlling the 2A side, the path to the state tournament is paved with high-stakes matchups, tactical battles, and the kind of drama that defines Spokane prep soccer.

3A/4A Bracket: Lewis and Clark leads a stacked field

The GSL champion and second-seeded Lewis and Clark Tigers (11-3-0, No. 10 RPI) enter the district tournament with a target on their backs. After a dominant regular season, the Tigers are the team to beat in the 3A/4A classification. Their reward? A Thursday home match against the seventh-seeded Hanford Falcons (7-8-0). While Hanford’s record is modest, they have shown flashes of brilliance, and Lewis and Clark cannot afford to overlook them.

Expert Analysis: Lewis and Clark’s strength lies in their balanced attack and disciplined defense. They have a knack for controlling possession and converting set pieces. Hanford will need to be aggressive early, but the Tigers’ experience in big games gives them a clear edge. Prediction: Lewis and Clark wins comfortably, 3-1.

On the other side of the bracket, the Mid-Columbia Conference champion Chiawana Riverhawks (14-1-1) are the top overall seed and the state’s No. 1 RPI team. They host ninth-seeded Ferris (10-4-0), which punched its ticket by beating eighth-seeded Kamiakin 6-3 in the district play-in game. Ferris enters with momentum, but Chiawana’s high-octane offense is a different beast entirely.

• Key Matchup: The winner of Chiawana vs. Ferris will face either fourth-seeded Gonzaga Prep (8-1-3) or fifth-seeded Richland (13-2-0) in the semifinals. That potential semifinal clash is a heavyweight bout.
• Gonzaga Prep is a perennial contender, known for its technical passing and defensive organization. They are a tough out for anyone.
• Richland boasts a gaudy record but faces a major test in Gonzaga Prep. The Bombers rely on speed and counter-attacking, which could be neutralized by Prep’s disciplined shape.

Meanwhile, third-seeded Pasco (11-6) hosts sixth-seeded Mead (7-5-2) in a game that screams upset potential. Mead has a gritty defense and a knack for grinding out results. Pasco’s offense is explosive but inconsistent. Prediction: Pasco survives in a 2-1 thriller.

Semifinals are scheduled for Saturday, May 10, with the championship and third-place games set for May 15. The 3A/4A bracket is a gauntlet, but Lewis and Clark’s top seed gives them a favorable path—provided they handle business.

2A Bracket: Ridgeline and Pullman set the standard

In the 2A classification, the story is all about top-seeded Ridgeline (7-2-3) and second-seeded Pullman (10-6-0). Both teams have been dominant in their own right, but the bracket is packed with dangerous opponents ready to spoil their plans.

Ridgeline hosts the play-in winner North Central (11-6-2) in a Thursday showdown. North Central earned its spot by surviving a play-in game, and they bring momentum and a chip on their shoulder. However, Ridgeline’s defense has been stingy all season, conceding just 12 goals in 12 matches. Their midfield controls the tempo, and their forwards are clinical in front of net.

Expert Analysis: North Central will need to disrupt Ridgeline’s rhythm early. If they can score first, the pressure flips. But Ridgeline’s composure under pressure is their hallmark. Prediction: Ridgeline wins 2-0.

On the other side of the bracket, second-seeded Walla Walla (10-6-0) hosts seventh-seeded Central Valley (4-8-1). Walla Walla has been one of the most improved teams in the GSL, blending a strong work rate with tactical discipline. Central Valley has struggled for consistency, but they have players who can produce magic on set pieces.

Third-seeded University (5-8-1) hosts sixth-seeded Kennewick (7-7-0) in a game that is wide open. University’s record is deceptive—they have played a tough schedule and are battle-tested. Kennewick, meanwhile, has the talent to make a deep run if they can find offensive rhythm. Prediction: University edges Kennewick in a 3-2 shootout.

Finally, fourth-seeded Hermiston (6-8-0) hosts fifth-seeded Mt. Spokane (7-6-1). This is the most evenly matched game in the 2A bracket. Hermiston has home-field advantage, but Mt. Spokane’s physical style can unsettle any opponent. Prediction: Mt. Spokane pulls off a 1-0 upset.

The 2A bracket is wide open, but Ridgeline and Pullman are the clear favorites. Pullman’s high-pressure system and Ridgeline’s tactical flexibility make them the teams to watch. However, one bad bounce or a red card can change everything in a single-elimination tournament.

Key storylines and players to watch

Beyond the seeds, several narratives will define this playoff run. Ferris enters as a dangerous underdog after their 6-3 play-in win over Kamiakin. That offensive explosion shows they can score with anyone. If they can tighten up defensively, they could be a bracket-buster.

Gonzaga Prep is another team flying under the radar. With an 8-1-3 record, they have quietly built a strong campaign. Their match against Richland is a toss-up, but Prep’s experience in high-pressure games gives them a slight advantage.

Players to Watch:

• Lewis and Clark’s forward – The Tigers’ leading scorer has a nose for goal and thrives in big moments.
• Ridgeline’s goalkeeper – A shot-stopper with cat-like reflexes who has kept clean sheets against top opponents.
• Pullman’s midfield general – The engine of the team, dictating pace and breaking up attacks.
• Ferris’s playmaker – After a hat trick in the play-in game, he is a threat from anywhere on the pitch.

Key Tactical Trends: The GSL playoffs often reward teams that can adapt mid-game. Expect to see high pressing from Pullman, patient possession from Lewis and Clark, and counter-attacking speed from Richland and Ferris. Set pieces will be critical—many of these games will be decided by a corner kick or a free kick in the final 10 minutes.

Predictions and path to state

Here is how I see the brackets shaking out:

3A/4A Bracket:

• Semifinal 1: Lewis and Clark over Hanford; Gonzaga Prep over Richland
• Semifinal 2: Chiawana over Ferris; Pasco over Mead
• Championship: Lewis and Clark vs. Chiawana – This is the game everyone wants to see. Both teams are elite. Chiawana’s RPI rating is No. 1, but Lewis and Clark have the home-field advantage and a more balanced squad. Prediction: Lewis and Clark wins 2-1 in overtime.
• Third-place game: Gonzaga Prep over Pasco – Prep’s defense is too organized for Pasco’s inconsistent attack.

2A Bracket:

• Semifinal 1: Ridgeline over North Central; Mt. Spokane over Hermiston
• Semifinal 2: Pullman over Walla Walla; University over Kennewick
• Championship: Ridgeline vs. Pullman – A rematch of a regular-season classic. Ridgeline’s discipline vs. Pullman’s intensity. Prediction: Ridgeline wins 1-0 on a late goal.
• Third-place game: Walla Walla over University – Walla Walla’s resilience pays off.

The road to the state tournament is unforgiving. A single loss ends the season for most teams. But for Lewis and Clark, Ridgeline, and Pullman, the destination is clear: a berth in the state playoffs and a chance to bring a championship back to Spokane.

Strong conclusion

The District 6 playoffs are more than just a series of games—they are a celebration of the talent, passion, and grit that defines GSL boys soccer. From the powerhouse programs to the Cinderella stories, every match carries the weight of a season’s work. Lewis and Clark have the pedigree and the top seed to make a deep run, but Chiawana lurks as the state’s No. 1 team. In the 2A bracket, Ridgeline and Pullman are on a collision course that promises fireworks.

As the first whistle blows on Thursday, the message is clear: expect the unexpected. This is Spokane soccer at its finest, and the journey to state begins now. Whether you are a die-hard fan or a casual observer, buckle up—the GSL district playoffs are going to be unforgettable.

Source: Based on news from Yahoo Sports.