This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Any team can beat another on any given day. That's how the cliché goes, and that's why we watch. You never know when maybe, just maybe, Appalachian State is going to beat Michigan.

But when the state girls' soccer tournament starts on Tuesday, it might take a couple of magic beans to beat Davis. The Darts' (16-0) superiority has been discussed in depth throughout the season, but in case you missed it, here is a quick synopsis:

They're really freaking good.

Davis, ranked No. 1 in the nation by USA Today, already set the state record for most consecutive wins and can establish the longest unbeaten streak in UHSAA history — including draws — with a win against Jordan in the first round, which would be its 41st game in a row without a loss. Davis hasn't tied during that streak either, but that isn't taken into consideration for an unbeaten streak in soccer.

The main challengers standing in the way of Davis' third straight title are American Fork (14-2), the top-seeded program from Region 4 situated on the opposite side of the bracket, and Fremont (13-1-1).

The 4A classification is much more open. Alta is the top-ranked program after finishing the regular season with an overall record of 14-2, but Skyline (14-1), the defending champions, as well as Bonneville (15-2), Woods Cross (16-2-1) and Springville (12-2-1) all have legitimate title aspirations.

The Hawks certainly have the toughest road. If the bracket plays out with the top seeds all winning, Alta, after facing Salem Hills in the first round, would have to play Woods Cross, Springville and either Skyline or Bonneville in the state championship.

Joining Davis and Skyline in pursuit of repeating, Logan has its eyes set on another title. The Grizzlies (11-3-1) finished the regular season ranked No. 1 in the 3A classification, but fell in overtime against Juan Diego (10-5-1) in the final game of the year. Sometimes, however, losing the last game before the postseason can serve as a reawakening.

The bracket is cruel in the 3A classification this year, though, as Logan will likely face Stansbury (11-4-1) — which finished second in its region but was ranked No. 2 in 3A — in the quarterfinals.

Snow Canyon (9-6), Park City (10-6) and the Soaring Eagle could each make some playoff noise, as well.

Unlike the higher classifications, 2A very likely will crown a new champion, although it's not completely far-fetched to imagine Millard (9-4) making a run in its defense. That being said, Rowland Hall (13-1) has been the best team all season, and Waterford (11-2-1) and Parowan (11-3) haven't been too far behind.

tphibbs@sltrib.com Twitter: @trevorphibbs —

Girls' soccer tournament first-round games

Class 5A

Tuesday, all games at 4 p.m.

Layton at Brighton

Mountain Crest at American Fork

Pleasant Grove at Fremont

Bingham at Viewmont

Herriman at Weber

Jordan at Davis

Syracuse at Copper Hills

Sky View at Lone Peak

Class 4A Tuesday, all games at 4 p.m.

Maple Mountain at Timpview

Hillcrest at Bonneville

Highland at Skyline

Corner Canyon at Spanish Fork

Olympus at Woods Cross

Salem Hills at Alta

Skyridge at Springville

East at Murray

Class 3A

Wednesday, all games at 4 p.m., except where indicated

Tooele at North Sanpete

Ridgeline at TBD

TBD at Logan

Juab at Stansbury

Morgan at TBD

Grantsville at Canyon View, 4:30 p.m.

Richfield at Park City

TBD at Juan Diego

Class 2A

Wednesday, all games at 4 p.m., except where indicated

South Sevier at Maeser Prep

St. Joseph at Grand, 3 p.m.

American Leadership at Delta

Emery at Waterford

South Summit at Millard

Gunnison at Rowland Hall

American Prep at Manti

Parowan at Summit Academy