The Tri-Nine Conference's top three seeds advanced in the first round of the N.C. High School Athletic Association 4A boys' soccer playoffs.

But it was the end of the line for No. 4-seed Cary and No. 5-seed Athens Drive on Wednesday, as both teams were unable to win on the road in their playoff openers.

Cary, making its first postseason appearance since 2006, fell 4-2 at Jordan despite goals from Patrick Ebbs and Joel Ahearne-Ray. The Imps, led by 11 seniors, ended their regular season 8-12-1 overall.

Athens Drive (10-12-1) lost 2-1 at Sanderson in the first round.

Green Hope (20-1), Apex (16-4-1) and Fuquay-Varina (18-4-2) all won their first-round games and were scheduled for second-round games Saturday.

Green Hope defeated Northern Durham 8-0 and hosted Enloe in the second round.

Apex needed overtime to eliminate Millbrook 3-1. The Cougars played at East Chapel Hill on Saturday.

The Bengals downed Riverside 4-0 and played at Sanderson.