Helias opens district soccer today against Bolivar

Helias midfielder Mark Mercurio tries to gather the loose ball after a blocked shot by Holt goalkeeper Sean Schierbecker during action earlier this year at the 179 Soccer Park. The Crusaders open Class 2 District 10 play today against Bolivar.
Helias midfielder Mark Mercurio tries to gather the loose ball after a blocked shot by Holt goalkeeper Sean Schierbecker during action earlier this year at the 179 Soccer Park. The Crusaders open Class 2 District 10 play today against Bolivar.

There will be a familiar feel when Helias opens the soccer playoffs today. That's because the Crusaders will be playing the same opponent in a win-or-go home game for the second straight season.

Second-seeded Helias (10-7-1) faces third-seeded Bolivar (15-7) in the Class 2 District 10 Tournament semifinals at 6:30 p.m. today at Rolla High School.

Helias ended Bolivar's season in 2011 with a 2-0 victory in the Class 2 state quarterfinals to advance to the Final Four. A year later, the Liberators hope to return the favor.

"I know they're going to be ....