Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen! On behalf of us all here at Memorial Stadium on the Rosewood side of Columbia allow me to welcome you to the 2009 Boys Soccer State Championships! Dave Easley had a death in the family last night and will be taking care of his family today. We certainly wish him the best and our thoughts and prayers are with him.
I'll be bringing you the match commentary from all 4 matches today and we certainly have an entertaining lineup full of action. Up first we have the Cavaliers of Christ Church against the Raptors Academic Magnet.
As both sides warm up, the fans are making their way into the stadium. At 11:05, the match should begin in the next 25 minutes. Academic Magnet rolling in having defeated Lincoln 11-0 in the Lower State Final while Christ Church eased by Southside Christian 2-0.
If numbers were a determining factor in the outcomes of matches then Academic Magnet would have the edge here. They have brought a quanty-laden side, undoubtedly, all of them intelligent beings. I hear they solved a few quadratic equations and found the missing link on the drive up.
Meanwhile, Christ Church seems to be warming up as cool and calm as you like. They look like they've been here before...actually a few times.
Officials for today's match have called the procession to order and the Captains are having their meeting at midfield...
The crew consisting of officials from the Grand Strand region and the Mid-state with Josh Round in the center.
The starting lineups have been announced, National Anthem played, and we are about to be underway!
Christ Church will be kicking off...WE ARE UNDERWAY
The physical advantage must go to Academic Magnet, they have brought a huge side to Columbia....However, in the first couple minutes of action the Cavaliers see the first chance.
GOAL!!!! CHRIST CHURCH in the 2nd minute!
Long throw in results in a flick header and a 12 yard blast from Cole Seiler in the back of the net! Surely, this will open the action.
The pace and urgency has certainly picked up...
Academic Magnet and CC are obviouly talented sides. Magnet must believe that this is their year. They have enjoyed many quality victories in 2009 and returned a quality side from a year ago.
However, they find themselves down to a young, talented and hungry side in Christ Church as a Freshman Seiler has found the back of the net!
A fouls and physical play have resulted in a few deadball situations and an injury to Christ Church. The play for the last couple of minutes has mainly been in midfield with either side failing to break through the other's defensive third.
Half a chance as Academic Magnet sends a long through ball in but it escorted out for a goal kick by the CC keeper
Magnet again with a chance as a a cross is served in low on the ground and CC fails to clear...the attempt on goal was not of quality and CC clears effectively.
Academic Magnet is laying the wood out here today...A bevy of fouls have been committed as they throw their weight around.
Another chance for Academic Magnet as a set piece goes in and is headed over the bar will poor finishing doom Magnet to a bitter finish?
Seiler doing more work out here as a few step overs and a nifty backheal net CC a chance on goal. However, the CC finish is deemed offsides by the referee.
It's a long throw in party here at Memorial as Magnet launches one into the box. Excellent job by a smaller CC side to clear their lines...foul, obviously, by Magnet nets CC a set peice and a corner is the result!
The action is certainly end to end here with a bevy of long balls and set peices. I'm certainly accustomed to this in the Prem...looks like a good Hull City - Stoke fixture with Tony Pulis doing whatever it takes for victory!!
Easy shot and save by the Academic Magnet keeper. Magnet may want to test the CC keeper of the same resolve if they want a ring!
QUALITY CHANCE in the box for Magnet as the throw-in party continues. The CC keeper makes an absolute meal of it spilling it to an onrushing Magnet attacker...The finish again was poor and over the bar. Good job by the CC defender as he helped steer it over the bar.
More pressure from Magnet as a 2nd long throw in results in a clearance from the keeper and a corner. However, nothing come of it and CC is now back on the press as they enjoy a throw-in at the corner of the 18 of Magnet
The attempt on goal is cleared...
Bodies are really flying here as harsh challenges come from every angle...it really is going to be an interesting last 20 minutes of the half!
Goal kick now as a streaking CC attacker is shielded away from goal...nice set up but equally nice defending from Magnet
GOAL 21st MINUTE FOR CC MAKES IT 2-0!!!!!
What a goal!!!! CC With an excellent build-up and through ball into DiBenedetto who smashes the ball off the post...the follow comes to Dirk Pieper who absolutely BARRIES the follow-up and perhaps the dreams of Academic Magnet with it!
Ensuing kickoff mounts to an AM SURGE and they earn 2 corners for their efforts...both come to nothing. I must say that if Magnet hope to gain anything from this finl they may want to finish a chance...or two.
CC have really come to play and are on their "A" game. They have built the play well and defended in the face of a physical onslaught
A few midfield interchanges of possession and a few more fouls have resulted in a lull in the action so to speak...It really has been an intense match...Di Benedetto again with half a chance and he crushes out for a goal kick
Set piece situation 35 out for CC results in a shot on goal and a collision with the Magnet keeper. Nothing really was of chance there...the CC player was hungry and simply challenged the keeper
Magnet back on the pressure and a chance from the 18 is deflected for a corner kick..
Corner is dealt with again by the CC side and we have a long throw situation for Magnet who after a flurry in the box seen their hopes of a goal pushed away
Really has been an intense match. I haven't seen this much interest in a A final. Another stoppage followed by another nets a long ball for CC to Cole who earns a corner for his efforts!
Corner comes to CC's Nagasaka who smacks it over the bar. At the 34th minute mark the game is still on the fringe. If you can get out to Memorial today I suggest you do. If this match is any indication of how well the competition will go today then we are in for quite a treat! Of course, if you see so fit you and I can enjoy each other's company for the next 12 hours or so...
Magnet with an excellence chance as Alex Herlocker breaks through into the box and crosses it but Magnet's header falls right into the hands of the CC keeper. Excellent play by Herlocker but again a poor finish
With 3 minutes remaining in the half the Raptor himself, Troy Bennage will certainly have a few crucial talking points. 2-0 is the most dangerous lead in soccer says one ex-Memorial grounds coach and a goal by Magnet would certainly get their hopes back.
A couple of foul throws for both sides and some midfield play are seeing us out through the half. With 1 minute left there has been some real drama in the Capital City.
How uncharacteristic...a foul sees another set piece situtaion and long throw-in...The throw is guided by the collective head of Magnet over the bar however and that will send us to the Half
Halftime Stats:
Goals -
Seiler - 1:14'
Pieper - 22:30'
Shots -
CC - 8
AM - 5
Corners -
CC - 3
AM - 3
Fouls -
CC - 5
AM - 7
At the break your boy is going to use the facilities and find a couple future ex Mrs. ESPN SoccerNet Broadcast while we listen to some moldy-oldies at Memorial. It must be too much to ask for some OJ Da Juice Mane or Disturbed but, in regards everyone's musical interests, dull will do...for now!
Back on the pitch...the players have made their way from the dressing rooms and back on to the pitch. I forgot to make note of the formational alignments for both teams. Rest assured I'll fix this in the future
Academic Magnet with the kickoff and we are underway...
CC and Magnet both playing with a stopper sweeper combination to start the second half. AM strolls out in a 4-3-3 formation while CC is playing a 4-4-2.
First couple of volleys are in and see CC with a long throw oppurtunity...
Impressive to note while AM just clears the corner is CC's clear and crisp play. While AM seems to be content with simple possesion ahead - physical play CC is making a concentrated effort with penetrating passes through the midfield. This has certainly worked to their advantage.
A AM deflection sees CC earn a corner but it is cleared away by AM towards their lone point forward...playing the Drogba roll today is Travis Farnharm and he steers the ball out of bounds for a throw-in
Whistles abound as Josh Round issues Farnharmer a Yellow card and then a Robert Furman is issued the same.
Bam Bam as the referee is trying to cool down the rash challenges for this heated second half.
Cries from CC supporters note that the "REF IS GIVING AWAY THE GAME!"
I can't understand that though as they are still 2 up with 33 left to play....
Seiler and DiBenedetto have come to play today ladies and gentlemen...
DiBenedetto continues to burst through the back line of AM with Arshavin-esque brilliance. Foul again by AM and CC has a good set piece right outside the 18 on the right corner
Corner now to CC...
Cleared by AM and the play is resumed in Midfield...
Odd play as the AM keeper comes up beyond midfield to hit a free kick that goes as a line drive straight to the CC keeper...Shot-save in a Jose Louis Chilavert exchange. If anyone remembers the Paraguayan international gained fame by taking his notorious free-kicks!
Cries and boos from both sides now as the official's whistl/lack thereof and physical play have caused tensions to hear. Here in this attacking lull we have seen many interchanges of possession and challenges.
The usual cries of "get off your knees ref your..." well you know the rest and "you suck!" can be heard by the CC fans. I'm not totally sure but I've heard reports that the AM fans are admitting the referee is not in the best psychological state to continue. One report came in that they overheard "Arise from your medial-collateral ligaments Mr. Official your squandering this competition"
A real lull in chances on goal again as we steer close to the 60 minute mark. Players continue to be late on tackles and the match remains a physial contest...Fould by AM sees a CC set piece at the corner of the 18 towards the touchline...
Someone from CC just asked for 10 meters on the set piece...strange...
The set piece results to nothing but a handball for CC and play resumes in CC's half from the long free kick by AM's keeper.
After an hour has been played the score remaind Christ Church 2 Academic Magnet 0...
Goalkick now for CC as AM breaks through to the sideline and mis hits the ball into the outside of the net.
AM look hesitant to get up...perhaps even a little tired. Many of their players have hands on knees. Odd for a side with this quantity. When AM attack it is usually with only their three forwards and the other 7 are merely walking up field...This will doom them as CC seem to be much more committed to fitness and team-play.
Half a chance for AM as Davis Michaelson steers in a cross but the ball bounces out for a CC goal kick.
Set piece now for CC 40 yards from the AM goal after a bad foul.
Set piece comes to nothing and play resumes...AM putting a little pressure and has possession in the CC third. Long throw goes straight to the keeper and play resumes off his punt.
Trademark long throw by CC and offsides is called on DiBenedetto who after a good booted service in attempts to flick the AM keeper. The keeper was up to the task but offsides nonetheless
DANGEROUS set piece situation for AM around the CC 18 box. Surely, a chance here...
My lord the AM keeper comes up to take the kick a good 80 yards from his own net! CHILAVERT THE RETURN!
The shot is not Chilavert as it goes straight to the keeper.
AM have 10 minutes to muster something...
Real chance for CC to go up 3 as the AM keeper clears a back pass off DiBenedetto...the ball bounces to Josh Shaw who puts the shot on neet but Alex Rieflin makes a great save after he almost cost his team severely.
Midfield free kick for AM results in Rieflin sending the ball through the uprights at Memorial...The Gamecocks are looking for a new man after the departure of Mr. Insignificnt Ryan Succup....
Under 7 to play and DiBenedetto has workhorsed his team to a potential ring. The referee is letting the jawing back and forth between the two teams continue as CC has a free-kick from Mid-field the results in a CC throw..."I'm smarter" "No I'm more smarter..." "I'm smarterest" abound at Memorial.
Another keeper-hit free kick is cleared by CC who have defended magnificently today. Academic Magnet must not be accustomed to this type of defending. I imagine the knats of Lincoln did not bring the noise like this.
Under 2 to play and it looks like..barring a miracle finish...that CC will win it's 9th? ring in a row. Truly an accomplishment at any level.
More fouls for AM as the center official is reluctant to hand out cards. These fouls seem to be simple tugging and pulling due to AM's lack of fitness. We are now under a minute at Memorial with CC 2 AM 0...
AND THAT IS IT LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!!!! Christ Church are again your A State Champions and rightfully so. They totally deserved this victory with two class finishes.
Player of the match for this commentator has been Robert DiBenedetto who played all 80 minutes and was simply outstanding in his energy, pace and effort with Cole Seiler being a close 2nd. #16 DiBenedetto gave AM fits today was a real menace for the Cavaliers. His strike hit the bar and was fiercely finished to push his team to victory. Seiler's alertness and class finishing earned him the first goal and the game winner while his tricks and craftiness carved up AM in the first half.
Christ Church owns this trophy as they are the only school to win the A State Championship in its existence. The SCHSL could surely save money in this harsh economy by just creating a 2009 plate for CC to slap on last year's trophy.
Congrats also to Academic Magnet on a fine season as they finish as the Lower-State Champions! It was simply not to be today as their chances never came to any real goal scoring threat. It's a tough pill to swallow for anyone to end a season on a losing note but the Raptors can hold their heads high as they will surely continue to be successful in the A classification.
Goals -
CC - 2
AM - 0
Shots -
CC - 11 (6 on frame)
AM - 13 (7 on frame)
Saves -
CC - 6
AM - 2
Corners -
CC 5
AM 5
Offsides -
CC - 1
AM - 0
Fouls -
CC - 13
AM - 15
Cautions -
45' Travis Farnham (AM)
45' Robert Furman (CC)
65' Bastien Bacro-Duverger (AM)
75' Dirk Pieper (CC)
On deck is the AA Championship which pits Emerald vs perenial power Bishop England. Surely favored, BE brings a quality side that won the AA Lower-State final over Waccamaw 1-0 while Emerald defeated Walhalla 1-0. The teams are warming up and we will have kick-off around 2 PM.
While both teams get ready for the next match your commentator will be out and about parading the grounds. Feel free to come up for an autograph!
Back on the scene here at Memorial as the players and announcements are being called and we are minutes away from the AA State Final.
Preliminary predictions have to go to BE as they are the usual suspects to come away with the AA title. Perhaps something could be done by Emerald to thwart this effort as they return to the state final with sure hopes at a glorious day.
They may want to, first, make it from the dressing room to the pitch....
The State Championship Gypsies have just informed us that they are selling t-shirts. Looking ahead to the 7 oclock match tonight another fellow worker, my personal slave, and I will be selling personalized Savitz4Governor t-shirts and some Enzo's My Boy t-shirts for 10 quid a peice!
The whistle blows and we are under-way...
For some reason BE has subbed 6 players at the 2nd minute mark...odd.
First chance to BE as CofC signee Khoury finds himself behind the Emerald defense and 1v1 with the keeper...his attempt is wide of the mark however and Emerald's goal kick results in BE gaining possession in mid-field.
Emerald with a chance that is cleared by BE straight to the BE forward Brant Morrison who, after some crafty trickeration, has a well hit shot that forces a good save from the Emerald keeper. More to come I'm sure.
Emerald's keeper seems up to the task this afternoon as he collects a good cross from BE. He'd have to be to back-up that hair dye job. In his best Djibril Cisse impression he has dyed his shaved head a pecuilar purplish color.
Another chance for BE goes wide as an excellent cross from Khoury is hit wide by an onrushing outside player. BE playing in the trade-mark 4-4-2 tonight will look for services from both their wide mid-field players and especially the long service from the back line. Emerald seems content in a 4-5-1 and waiting for counters and long balls. They certainly realize the mismatch as they don't have any scholarship athletes available for tonights contest...
Action in the Emerald defensive third as BE collects the clears. If Emerald can tenaciously defend and rely on their talented keeper then perhaps they can get a result from this fixture and shock the world...or certainly everyone in this stadium
Offsides called against BE as they press the attack and it will be a free kick for the Emerald keeper...
Emerald with a good counter and a cross but BE deals with it effectively...a few good tackles from Emerald and BE drags down an Emerald mid-filder and the fould is given. Emerald with a set piece 40 yards from frame....
Shot is hit hard but easily handled by the BE keeper some ominious looking clouds roll in to Memorial...rain in the cards perhaps? All we need is 30 degree temperatures and I'd feel at home!
BE now with a chance building as Khoury earns a corner which is squandered as they attempt a quick set piece
Both sides seem content to have make a tennis match out of the mid-field line. Volley are sent back and forth as both sides struggle to maintain possession...
Excellent chance by BE as the pressbox surely thought goal. Was not meant to be however as Khoury sends the cross in and Taylor Daylami wiffs the ball out for a goal kick.
Khoury blasts a long shot low but it was never going to trouble Emerald's keeper. It will take much more to beat the Purple-headed Ball Eater
@ 19th Minute mark a set-piece situation for BE nets them the opener! a 40 yard free-kick sees Khoury clip the ball in to the back post where a BE player (3 of them really) crossed it in and the finish was delivered by Jorge Villamizar. Great execution from the training ground!
BE is hungry to score again as they maintain their possession. A foul is collected by Emerald and there's a break in the action as Emerald finally clear their lines...possession is quickly lost and BE are back on the attack...
Chances abound for BE as they enjoy possession around Emerald's 18. More to come I suspect and the Emerald fans are upset that they are down yet again to a private school.
Flick in by BE goes to the Emerald keeper...
Play resumes and BE collects the punt and sends it right back down for another shot and equally good save by Emerald's 1.
Foul by Emerald nets BE a free kick right on the line for BE but nothing comes of it as the ball is well struck to the keeper.
Good play by Emerald's lone striker on the punt and he earns himself a corner. If Emerald could get this thing level then it's possible...
Alas, nothing comes of it but a BE through
More possesion by BE but no chances to speak of. I wonder if Greenwood's favorite son Van Taylor is in attendance. Perhaps he had a prior engagement with the Olypmic Development Program or a recruiting trip to Oslow, Norway...
Frustration mounts as Hunter Riddle recieves a caution for unsportsman-like conduct for slamming the all on to the pitch after a bad foul.
Emerald must push forward here unless they are content going into the break down 1-0. Emerald have had a few chances but nothing to note in the first 30 minutes. We are now in the 33rd minute of action.
Numbers massing for BE in the final 3rd here...
Under 5 minutes to play here in the first half with the score BE 1 Emerald 0...
Khoury again with a chance as he is the creator of all BE attack but the keeper for BE collects with some good shielding from Emerald's backline
A member of the Emerald coaching staff has worn a back pack for the entire match. Foreshadowing perhaps but I hope he wouldn't rather be somewhere else!
PENALTY!!! BE earns a penalty as Khoury is tripped rolling a defender in the box...
Khoury takes...AND THE EMERALD KEEPER MAKES A GREAT SAVE. Khoury goes to follow and hits the ball high over the bar.
The Emerald keeper is curiously carded...
The purple headed monster has played brilliantly in this first half and saved his team from annihilation.
He will have to be subbed though for what can only be thought of as dissent or taunting.
Under 1 minute and Emerald is hanging in there. Can they build on the magic of their keeper? They have earned a throw deep in BE territory with 30 seconds left...
The throw penetrates the 6 but is dealt with by the BE defenders and we are now at the half ladies and gentlemen.
Emerald will have to find a way to slot home an equalizer and keep BE out of the net if rings are to be in their future. Eventually they will have to try to push another man forward as a single striker attack is not neeting them many chances. They have truly been pushed on their heals all half but only find themselves down a goal. BE wil be frustrated they are not up more and an Irish Jig may cure them of their ills. It's been a tough week for the Catholic Church back across the pond in Ireland but a win by the Bishops here will lift their spirits...
Halftime States
BE - 1 (Villamazar 18:53')
Emerald - 0
Shots -
BE - 10
Emerald - 2
Saves -
BE - 1
Emerald - 6
Corners -
BE - 1
Emerald - 2
Fouls
BE - 3
Emerald - 5
Cautions
Emerald - Riddle 31:06', Lambour 37:36'
2nd Half action will resume in a few minutes...Emerald's fan are begging them to get into the game and press for an equalizer. They realize the enormous task at hand but a victory here would be an absolutely astounding finish to their season.
BE are ready and find themselves up a goal going into the 2nd half. They great Emerald out of the dressing room with their traditional green jersey's. Ed Khouri by now has rings fitted for his toes but still seems eager to go out a winner!
Good stuff here.... man I'm on the way right now! Not missing the star power at 7!
The whistle blows and we are live...Play, not suprisingly, resumes in Emeralds half
GOAL!!! BISHOP ENGLAND!!!
For the 2nd time today under 2 minutes into a half sees the a ball grace the back of the net as Grant Morrison guides in a flick header past the Emerald keeper. Surely the 2-0 lead will give BE the championship and business will be as usual in 2009.
Emerald have decided to push an extra forward in the 2nd half. This didn't cost them the second goal as Morrison simply out muscled the defence of Emerald to flick it by the outstretched keeper. The ball trickled in across the white line for the 2nd and play has resumed.
My slaves phone is blowing up as his more attractive half wants to keep him updated in her life...
Meanwhile on the pitch BE and Emerald exchange more possession with the 2nd striker Emerald finds themselves in more of the attack but BE's defense is stiffling...
GOAL!!! A 3RD BY BISHOP ENGLAND!!!!!
With 33 minutes left to play Khoury is played into his feet by Brant Morrison and Khoury with a class finish in the top of the net...
Khoury is carded for the celebration following the goal and play resumes. He really rifled it into the top of the net. He's had a good day today has the striker but he has been a little hot headed.
BE is looking for more blood as the hit two shots that are saved well by the Emerald keeper. Emerald have their heads down at the moment. Play resumes and BE is back o the possession lobbing balls into their forwards who play back to midfield to move the ball up...
Corner now for BE is hit clear by Emerald who then committ a fould outside the 18 but BE takes the free kick quickly and puts a man through. Emerald keeper is out and collects...
BE now doing what they like as they press for a 4th. Haven't seen this much domination since Chelsea recently played Arsenal at the Emirates...
Take that Kyle!
Emerald fans have calmed here as their hidden expectations have come to fruition.
What can they do really? BE has more resources and paid players than Roman Abromovich...
Pardon my illusions towards the premiership fans. The game has entered a bit of a lull and I was wishing I was back in London with a pint or 14 at Stamford Bridge...
However things just heated back up as Rom Reyhani was just issued a straight red card for a bad elbow to the jaw of an Emerald midfielder.
Looked bad from up here but the Emerald player did well to sell it. BE will have to play a man down for 23 minutes.
We'll see how good BE are now as they play 10 v 11 for the next 20 minutes plus...
BE takes a free kick and puts a man in for a 4th but he blows the chance as the keeper comes out and collects. Good play by him despite the 3-0 mark.
BE will move to a 4-4-1 formation as 3-0 will be hard to overcome even with a man advantage...
Emerald can afford to press a 3rd attacker here if they like. There's no reason for 4 defenders to take on 1 forward when you're already down 3 goals...
Under 20 minutes to play here and Emerald gives up a free kick 50 yards from frame as they get frustrated because they cannot get anything from this game.
Looking ahead to the next final we have a tasty AAA match up in S. Aiken and Eastside. Surely to be the best and most contested match of the day S. Aiken has sat atop of the AAA rankings for a long time and Eastside were the class of the Palmetto Cup. Eastside may be at a disadvantage as Miguel Teos was controversially red carded in the Upper State final. S. Aiken is fresh and ready to play as Paul Waters goes for his 2nd State Championship since 2005.
Play stops as a BE player has cramped up on the sideline. Even with 9 men BE still pressed the attack and maintained play.
GOAL!!!! BISHOP ENGLAND!!!!
Khoury makes a farce of the game as a side reduced to 10 men in Bishop Englad finds Khoury who beats an Emerald defender and finishes over a sliding Emerald keeper...
Calm finishing and Khoury is the class of this final. His fist will look like lethal weapons as he puts a 4th ring on. Brass knuckles at Daniel Island!
Nothing much more to say really...BE has been featured in ESPN magazine and Sports Illustrated for a reason. They are not only the class of AA but the class of this state being able to beat anyone regardless of classification year in and year out.
While you can make an argument against a private school being in the SCHSL you cannot make an argument against their quality.
With 12 left to play the Bishops are doing some heavy subbing here as they maintain much of the possession with 10 men. Their quality has picked up over as time has passed.
BE now with 3 across the back line look to be pressing for a 5th and looking for humiliation.
Weak shot is hit low to the Emerald keeper with BE winning the punt and back on the attack.
BE's big boy John Pinner is in. He looks like he can do some serious holding of the ball upfront. A boy of this mass would be a load to handle for any defender.
Reduced to jokes and jaunts at Memorial here as both sides are clearing their benches to get some playtime for their reserves. After a few midfield exchanges and silence in the stands it's almost naptime out here as we approach the 75 minute mark.
Foul by Emerald is placed outside of their box. I must say it did look like they BE should get a penalty. It doesn't say that the center official is of Norweigan origin but I'm sure it's possible...
BE hits freekick right at the keeper for another save.
Play resumes in midfield as we near the conclusion of the AA final. BE are going to be victorious for the upteenth time.
And that's all she wrote folks. BE dominates the AA title game to earn another victory at the conclusion of their season.
I do feel for Emerald as they were beaten like Casey Rihn. There will be many questions and comments made as to why BE is allowed to dominate this level of competition but today the Daniel Island paradise based school will be all smiles as they top the charts again.
Final Stats -
Goals
BE - 4 (Villamazar 18:53', Morrison 41:32, Khoury 46:26, Khoury 63:8)
Emerald - 0
Shots -
BE - 18 (14 on goal)
Emerald - 2 (1 on goal)
Saves -
BE - 1
Emerald - 11
Corners
BE - 2
Emerald -3
Fouls
BE - 5
Emerald - 13
Cautions -
Emerald - Riddle 31:06', Lambaur 37:36'
Ejections -
BE - Rom Reyhani 55:45'
ALLLLLRIGHT Ladies and Gentlemen we are, yet again, back live for the AAA Boys State Championships at Memorial Stadium in Columbia, SC!
This fixture sees the Eagles of Eastside square off against the Thoroughbreds of South Aiken. The lineups and announcements are commencing and we hould be underway here shortly...
Should be a pretty even matchup as we head into the highly anticipated night cap of todays action. Both teams have a combined loss tally of 3 all season and have had notably hard schedules to boot...
Don't mind me as I become the authority in the pressbox. The sun is in my eyes so I put on a fresh pair of aviators...
Pleasantries are over however and it's time to begin. S. Aiken will kick off first.
S. Aiken are quick on the break and Van Pelt is foouled seconds into the game as he was streaking down the right hand side....set piece for SA comes to nothing but a long throw oppurtunity.
CHANCE for SA as they are out early and often. Long throw is flicked to the backside and the shot is hit but it is wide.
SA is up and ready and presses for an opener.
S Aiken is on fire to start!!! Shot from the top of the 18 goes straight to the Eastside keeper. I must say that I thought at the beginning of the match Eastside would be the more technical of the two but SA is bringing the wood presently.
Offsides by Eastside as they venture into the SA half...the game might get a little chippy tonight. Both sides feel destined for victory.
SA now with a set piece from halfway...surely a longball in...and it comes to nothing but as Eastside clear their lines SA regains possession.
The 2 sides exchange a bit of possession now. A firey start to the beginning of the match as we are now in the 6th minute.
Outside the gates the Irmo and NW fans can be seen tailgating....sure to be a great atmosphere if not the best atmosphere in SC HS soccer history later tonight. GET HERE!
Eastside fancy a go from 50 yards out and as the ball drops into the box the SA keeper collects...the consequent punt goes to Van Pelt who puts in an outside Midfielder towards goal but the keeper collects his mis-hit
EHS now with a set-piece from halfway and Eastside's hit goes out for a goal kick...play resumes with EHS now doing a bit of possession about in the midfield. Thomas Valkonis has been active as the EHS forward has been coming back in support of his mid-field players.
The official may have real trouble tonight as the fans are already on him for a few blown calls. Taking a peak up from the PC I did notice a blatant handball not called...
Van Pelt will be a load tonight as he looks to end his career on a winning note. He's already been very active and streaks down the sideline but his cross is collected by EHS and dealt with easily. EHS gets some possession in the SA half now but it's quickly cleared to Van Pelt who attempts to hold up the play.
BAD FOUL by SA gets EHS a dangerous freekick at the top of the D...
free kick taken into the wall however and we're back into the run of play.
Good long throw by EHS and the keeper for SA appears on his game tonight...well collected by the wee-man
Play resumes in mid-field and we approach the 20 minute mark.
Chance inside the 18 as Eastside has a go but it's hit wide for a throw of all things...
Eastside now has SA defending in their third whole-heartedly.
Odd, a man with a horsehead for a face is jogging up and down infront of the fans with a flag..Cutoff jeans, no shirt, and a horsehead. I knew you when!
Eastside is going to be a real problem on these long throw ins. They have a guy who can hurl it the box there from 40 yards out! Tony Pullis would be proud.
Shot by SA but it would only have been good at an undomed NFL stadium...Anything less would have hit a ceiling...
Midfield play is being exchanged between the two teams but no real chances are being created...EHS with the clever of the passing. CESA at its finest.
More chippiness at Memorial as a hard foul is met with a potential swing back by a SA defender...no card given.
The free kick is sent in and is well headed BUT it's straight to the keeper.
SA's keeper has played well so far as we reach the 25th minute mark of the match. Eastsides pressure has been pretty high...so has their fans pressure on the official.
SA foul and EHS takes it quick to maintain possession...they get a good service as a result but it is collected by the keeper.
CHANCE OF THE MATCH so far as Valkonis gets in on goal but he absolutely blows the chance hitting it for a goal kick. That was it. Surely that was the opener but it was not meant to be.
A SA counter starts a good rally but their quality lacks a bit EHS gets a throw-in...
Under 10 to play in the first half and more action...finally a caution is issued to SA #10 Chris Dunn for some extra-curriculars after a challenge.
resulting free kick comes to nothing however and SA get a throw.
good ball and SA and the defense for EHS dealt with it but SA earns a corner for their efforts.
The corner is struck hard but driven right to the keeper....no player on the keeper and it was an easy collection for the neon-clad keep
Another corner now as an EHS player is injured...SA mounting a bit of pressure as we approach 35 minutes.
It's getting hot in the capital city as the cloud cover breaks for a few minutes and the sun beats down...meanwhile back on the pitch SA finds itself a shot to hit but it's well over goalkick to Eastside.
Long throw for EHS is dealt with but they maintain possession...
We have 2 minutes left to play in this scoreless match
The halftime whistler blows and we have a scoreless draw. Who will flinch first remains to be seen.
Back to the action in under 10 a the stadium begins to fill up. In a few minutes time you won't be able to find a place stand much less sit. If you have plans to make the match tonight I hope you are either outside of the stadium or on your way here now. Ofcourse if you cannot make it you and I can always have a date. I'm easy like that.
Halftime stats
Goals -
SA - 0
EHS - 0
Shots -
SA - 4
EHS - 7
Saves -
SA - 1
EHS - 1
Corners -
SA - 2
EHS -0
Fouls -
SA - 4
EHS - 4
Cautions -
SA - Dunn 30:27'
Back on the action here after the break and we're in the 42nd minute. I had to use the facilites real fast and stop by the Irmo tailgate party for a Solo cup and a sundress.
The two sides exchange possessions and clears and we're going straight from end to end...
Corner now to EHS...it comes to nothing however but a EHS foul...free kick now for SA.
Stoppage now for an injury as an EHS player was and and made an excellent cross but it falls into the keeper's hands.
Valkonis almost puts a man in but the keeper is up to the task and collects at the top of the 18.
Without Teos EHS is lacking that final quality. His absence has been sorely missed tonight. EHS breaks through but again the quality is not there and the keeper takes a goal kick
SA playing for counters and a poor clearance gives Valkonis an oppurtunity all by himself at the 18 but he spins it out for a goal kick.
Under 30 to play and we're still scoreless in the AAA match. Possession is traded again and players from EHS and SA exchange words. The referee stops time for a chat.
Midfield exchanges and harsh tackles are characterizing this match. The EHS coach screams for more possession as SA are looking to play Van Pelt in...flurry of action in midfield as the play heats up with 25 minutes left to play!!!
Action in the SA box as a few lucky bounces for EHS create a real chance. The keeper from the ground finds the ball and it bounces into his hands. EHS fans are up now as the sense a goal...long throw in oppurtunity now for the Eagles.
Play is stopped as a SA defender takes a hard shot to the mid region when an EHS player attempts to volley a lofted ball. Pain is probably the first thing on his mind...
He springs up and play resumes after the substitution.
Inside 20 minutes and someone will have to score to win this game. Both sides are playing stifling defense at the moment. I imagine both coaches stomach's are in knots as the possibility of free soccer looms on the horizon.
Hard-play and the official has a match on his hands now. Tempers starting to brim fully and a caution is issued to SA's # 9
now a RED CARD has been shown to #12 for EHS. His night and season are now over.
EHS will now have to play the last 18 minutes of the match a man down. Carlos Berrio has been sent off here and it'll be 10 v 11 for the last quarter of this match.
Goalkick now for SA. Can they take advantage of the pleasant situation they find themselves in???
It's a tough assignment for any official as there are a ton of fans here with plenty of vocal support for both sides. The red was apparently given by the AR for retaliation after a hard challenge by the SA defender.
We have a stoppage now for another injury to an EHS player.
With more lulls and substitutions in the action I'm being distracted by the walking Sally Beauty Supply advertisment that is Irmo HS. The blonde bombshells have lineup on the gate for all eyes to see.
Chances to score have been at a premium tonight and we have 15 left to play.
QUALITY chance by EHS as Shovelton breaks in on goal. The keeper committs and makes a good save low to his feet. Ball is out for a corner.
Corner comes to nothing but a S. Aiken free kick and now they have another free kick from half field.
SA now with a corner....opener perhaps??
It comes to nothing in the end and S. Aiken with a man extra get possession back but are still having trouble keeping it. EHS still enjoying the majority of the ball. To their credit though, SA has played blue-collar soccer and is really making a game of it...
The temperature has dropped a few degrees and some ominous clouds seem to be rolling in from the river...rain in the cards tonight perhaps? Could make the AAAA sloppy.
Injury stoppage now as an EHS defender goes down in a heap.
8 minutes left to play and the sphincters of each coach must be real tight!
5 minutes til free soccer and both teams have exhausted themselves here. Extreme gaps in mid-field could see punishment in the last gasps of the game.
Long throw oppurtunity for SA here as we near 2 minutes to play...
Chance in the box comes to nothing and SA is pushed back.
SA are content sending Nailor and Van Pelt in against the EHS defense. Both sides seem to be playing for extra time. High drama at Memorial as rain approaches from Lexington. 1 minute to play!
Great chance for EHS as their build up earns them a service and should be finish from 12 out. Connection was solid but straight at the keeper and we're headed for extra time...Should have scored there.
Overtime now as SA almost capitalized in the final seconds. The stands are about to be full here and the atmosphere is electric already!!!
Is anyone left in the capital city tonight? Anybody who's anybody seems to be in attendance. I hear Gov. Sanford is making the treck. Lt. Governor Bauer is already here meandering between tailgates before the AAAA game. He's probably posted up next a few teenage girls with the stomach's painted.
Here we go in OT...EHS reduced to 10 men has still had the best oppurtunities of the game. SA's keeper has played exceptional tonight.
GOAL!!!!!!!!! EASTSIDE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! VALAKONIS!!!!!!
With 7 minutes in the first and the full 10 in the 2nd Valakonis has put his team up 1-0.
AND IT'S AN EQUALIZER BY VAN PELT BEFORE I CAN FINISH MY POST!!!!! GOALLLL!L!L!L!L!L!L!L!L!L!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
What a change of pace as now everyone is excited...I can barely catch my breath as SA takes it to the line and serves it...the cross comes to Van Pelt and he finishes it from 8 yards away. Back and forth action now as it will take another to finish this classic match!
SA starting to move now as the equalizer had pumped the adrenaline. Stoppage now for an injury to an EHS player and I can finally catch my breath! Thrilling!
OWN GOAL BY EASTSIDE!!!!!!! O MY!!!!!
Cross comes in from SA after a good buildup and an EHS defender attempts to clear but steers it straight into his own net. Oh my what a horrible way to bow out if this will be the final result. Bridge watch tonight for the culprit.
Real chance for EHS as they penetrate and get a good cross in. The chance is pushed high and barely over the bar. The keeper was dead to rights and was primed to give up an equalizer but it was not meant to be! Can the Lower State finally win?!?!?!
for those of us that cant b there thank u 4 every thing, its great, what a game! GO PRO
I'd like to interject a joke here and there but the overtime period of the match has just been compelling! Free kick now from half-field for EHS!
SA clear and Van Pelt was in with the keeper!!! What a play by the keeper as he tackles with Van Pelt and cleanly makes the play. 2-1 still! That would have surely ended the contest!
The 1st overtime ends and we will now switch sides for a 2nd 10 minutes...WHEW! I haven't seen this much action since I visited the Wild GI in Saigon 1973.
EHS will need to be on the attack if they want to get back in. They have the quality for sure...
This must be heartwrenching for Teos as he sits currently and has the whole game. I feel for the young lad because he would have certainly had a stamp on this game. S. Aiken concede the corner as we start off...o man.
Corner comes out and an EHS back smashes the ball over the bar and into the out-stretched hands of a capri'd Dom Wren. The tatooed magician must be ready to do work in the night cap!
Long throw-in now for Eastside and SA clears to a 1v1 situation...
Chance amounts to nothing as the EHS defender shields him well and the goal kick is taken. Foul by SA gives EHS a free kick from half...
After a flick header is steered towards SA's keeper the punt puts SA back on the ball in the EHS half. Van Pelt earns a foul. He's come to play tonight and has been the difference maker.
Comes to nothing in the end and EHS have a goal kick.
Stoppage as we're under 5 minutes for an injury. It looks to be severe as the chap hasn't moved since he collided with the Van Pelt.
Nice goal number 10...sums up your season after that show you put on at chapin as far as flippin the bird to all the fans after the game. Hope that was the most memorable goal you score.
Back in the UK we have a stretcher for this type of situation and some magic spray. Of course we also have Lucozade, poor dental hygene, and a World Cup title. Then again, we did invent the game.
We're still stopped here as this player is apparently seriously injured. There are more people here than at the British evacuation at Dunkirk in 1940 now.
Quarter of an hour later the player is up and is gently being carried off the field. Where was the SCHSL with an injury crew here? If someone were more seriously injured I'd fear they'd never make it...All complaints from the fans need to be directed two Jerome Singleton and Roger Hazel...
every two min. now this, dont keep us waiting, carple
Play will resume with an SA in direct kick that falls for a goal kick for EHS. We are under 5 minutes to play.
Flurry in front of SA net comes to nothing and the keeper collects correctly. This game has lasted longer than Moses flood but we have under 3 to play...
Corner now for SA as they draw closer to the first Lower State AAAA title. Now under 2 minutes! Unless there is a miracle finish, Coach H20 is about to become a state champion for the 2nd time in 4 years.
SA's keeper collects the ball now under a minute. Surely it's in the bag as no extra-time will be played!
enzo irmo enzo irmo enzo irmo dont care just give me goals
Last seconds now as EHS have a go under 10 seconds..... and that is game!!!!
Quote:
Flurry in front of SA net comes to nothing and the keeper collects correctly. This game has lasted longer than Moses flood but we have under 3 to play...
Moses???
S. Aiken are your AAA state champions for 2009. Eastside's hearts are surely broken but the match was the best of the day so far. What a classic finish as it was all heart that saw S. Aiken through. Great show for this announcer!
As the pleasantries are exchanged and the trophies are dished out business is about to boom as Irmo and Northwestern are seen warming up. We are in store for one of the biggest match ups in the history of not only SC soccer but U.S. High School Soccer. Sure to be drama and the rain is holding off!
I'm back from another facilities trip and we're about to begin the announcements...
World War III and IV are about to commence here in the next few minutes. This is sure to be the best match I have ever seen in my lifetime in the USA. Both sides are loaded with quality and quantity. The best player in SC history will take on the best program in SC history in this epic matchup of AAAA titans!
A mowhawked Dom Wren is getting his players ready. He's been interviewed more times this year than Barack Obama and perhaps rightfully so. His side has been #1 in the nation all year!
On the other side Phil Savitz, the Hall of Famer will bring his excellence to the competition. Irmo has hyped this match up all season, begging to Northwestern to bring it. I can assure you they will tonight...
It will be standing room only as only the grass on on the extremities of the field remains open. There is barely a seat in the house and the line is still wrapped around the outskirts of Rosewood! Captains are out and we will be shortly making the lineups known to the world!
There's more gold in the away stands tonight than in Fort Knox. The players walk out and there is no love loss between these two sides. Murder is the only entree on the card for either side.
The lineups are being read but I have real doubt anyone can hear them...the decibel level has been raised to a new extreme here at Memorial.
There has been a lot of conversation in soccer circles about the quality of goal keeping for each side. Both keepers will be put to the test tonight...
Kickoff is about to commence and this place might explode. Hiroshima will have been let off easy!
#1 and #2 in the nation are set to square off as NW comes out in their often-copied 4-3-3 with a flat 4. Irmo will start similar but with a stopper-sweeper combination. They tend to push their outside players very high and pressure for throw ins and give aways...AWAY WE GO!!!!!
Fireworks already as Robbie Benson drags and Irmo player down outside of the box. Set piece to Irmo now at the corner of the 18...
Real chance but it heads wide of the target. Not an impressive start by Northwestern as they give away the first chance of the game by looking to ping it around and losing possession easily...
Shawn Ferguson is the big boy at the back for NW along with Benson. At 6"4' he's a sure bet to win any 50/50 ball and does.
Dennis Moore for NW looks like a linebacker and Wren plays Enzo out right. He'll look to cut people all day with his brother Alex serving him in.
Corner to NW after Alex breaks through and forces a clear by Irmo out of bounds. The corner comes to nothing and Irmo clear.
Ferguson really putting his stamp on this game as he heads a 50-50 clear. Possession to NW as it's end to end. Enzo cuts into the Irmo box and crosses. The attempt comes to Ally's feet but is pushed wide of the target!
Garbanzo, Moore, Enzo...a real force up top but Irmo have equal in the attack. Now Irmo break and the cross is well tackled out of the back by NW to the streaking Dennis Moore who is tugged down for a foul approximately 40 yards from Irmo's goal.
A lot of shoving by Nw and Irmo on the peice results in a whistle and the official who must be on his A game tonight to keep up has a proper talking to.
The ball comes in and is cleared well by Irmo.
Irmo earns a corner now...
oppurtunity wasted as Irmo's corner went to the back side 6 but no one was there! The ball safely bounced out for a corner.
Moore to Garbanzo and a long cross to Enzo is tackled away. Long throw for NW and the resulting flurry sees NW called for offsides.
Irmo on the break now in this back and forth set. Tackled well by NW and as the ball bounces a NW player comes in with a hard challenge...Irmo and Alex Martinez getting into it now. Both sides are extremely hyped!
NW with a free kick as Irmo commits the foul inside the NW box. Back and forth now as we are only 12 minutes in. This match promises greatness already. Simply, EPIC.
Both sides are pushing 3 forwards into the attack. They must fancy to emulate a real team, The Blues of Chelsea.
Launching rocket throw from Irmo...
Corner comes in and Irmo had a shot at a header but missed. Too much hair in the way, in my opinion, and he missed the chance. Goal Kick
Robbie Benson two hand shoves Kyle McEwan but NW earn the free kick. McEwan was all over Benson...Foul committed by Irmo again at the top of the box...DANGER ALERT as it's a variable who's who to take the kick!
Enzo's attempt is well blocked by the Yellow wall.
While the ball is in the air Dennis Moore committs a harsh foul and is cautioned. I'm not calling him a boy. He is a man. Moore is built like a linebacker!
Long throw now for NW as Enzo's pressure forces Irmo to clear out of bounds...
Clears comes to Ally's feet and he spanks the ball over the bar!
Benson is just shoulder-shoulder decleated outside his own 18. Irmo gets a cross that is snagged by the keeper.
Real chance for Irmo as Taylor Varney launches a shot from 25 out that eeks just wide! Irmo now with another shot as I'm writing this but it goes straight to the keeper!
NW on their heals a bit as Irmo has quality possession and attack. Alex tries to regroup the troops but is tackled well...who will break this game open with a moment of pure brilliance!?
Rocket launch as Irmo has a throw-in deep...
Acree ALMOST gets on the end of it...He sacrificed the body was it was not enough and goal kick is the result. Now a throw in deep in Irmo territory.
Garbanzo is taken down right outside the 18 but no call is given. Wren has a legitimate claim I must say. Irmo clears for a corner. As the players set up for the corner one of the Irmo players is shoved down for some reason and the referee blows the whistle for a chat.
Scramble in the box as NW almost puts one in! The ball finds it's way to the Irmo keeper...
Another stoppage of time and a yellow card for Alex and Acree...The jawwing will not be tolerated by this official today.
Irmo have a free kick from 45 away and they are looking for magic.
The piece is cleared and NW has earned a throw in a dangerous area.
We are under 15 in the first half and even the fouls are even at 6 a piece.
Not now though as Kyle Simpson is cautioned after a tough foul...4 yellows in all seen in the first 37 minutes!
Ball is lobbed in and 3 NW players are deemed offsides by the referee...correct call as Irmo did a nice job pushing up out of their third.
While we have a lull in the action and Alex comes back into the game I'd like to admit there is an abundance of talent in the stands tonight as well...
Irmo defending brilliantly and as NW's attack has been mounting. Garbanzo cautioned for a late challenge and almost a WWE finishing move to Irmo's #16 Oliver Nobels.
This game is getting crazy as Irmo committs a dangerous play where a NW player just strattled an Irmo player who committed to ground. I haven't seen someone ridden like that since...well I'll stop there.
Under 10 left to play in this gigantic contest. Whoever loses will surely toss their medals this time. At least it looks that way.
Throw in a dangerous area for Irmo...
shoving by Irmo and we're coming out...
More jawwing as every challenge is heavily contested. It's been a great match so far as we approach 5 minute mark.
Much will be said about the officiating for sure but it has not been overly terrible. Even I can admit that this is an assignment I would not want to have. Corner to Irmo was almost guided in off the kick itself but cleared by a great NW defender on the backpost. Throw to Irmo now!
Header over the bar and NW has a goal kick.
Enzo's back on the ball and his through-ball is just too much and Irmo's keeper collects. Neither keeper has been challenge too much thus far. A credit to Irmo and NW's defense.
Irmo had a real chance! Cross comes in and is headed back post. 3v1 for Irmo and all McEwan can do is pop it up. The NW keeper collects the air ball.
Enzo is fouled outside the Irmo box...
Clark to take the free-kick and CHEEEKY it almost snuck it's way in. He puts a real bend on it from outside-in and the Irmo keeper stretches up but the ball is just over the ball.
Under 1 minute in the first half now and NW has a throw...
Irmo on the break as they clear well...
GREAT tackle on Acree by Vobilla...and that's it for the 1st half...WHEW!
Halftime Stats -
Shots -
NW - 5 shots (1 on frame)
Irmo - 6 shots (1 on frame)
Saves
Irmo - 1
NW - 3
Corner
Irmo - 2
Nw - 2
Offsides
Irmo - 0
NW - 3
Fouls
Irmo - 11
NW - 6
Cautions
Irmo - Acree 24:55', Simpson 25:22'
NW - Moore 16:41, A. Martinez 24:55', Garbanzo 28:56
What an intense half of soccer action! To be honest...who expected anything less. There have been no clear chances to score but WOW both of these teams have brought the lumber tonight. The NW faithful, and there are many, must be a bit nervous right now and so must the 1000+ supporters from Irmo.
Under 2 minutes left in the intermission...Irmo makes it's way back out on to the field to greet NW when they exit the locker-room. Savitz and Wren will have both of their boys ready, no doubt.
NW literally sprints back onto the field. You can tell they're feeling it. Irmo is huddled. We have 40 minutes left in this fixture and it will surely be 40 minutes to remember...
Match set to begin here with Irmo kicking off towards the scoreboard...
Foul less than 10 seconds in as NW gets the possession Enzo on the ball...NW's cross is played out of bounds. Poor execution there.
Long throw here for NW....
More pushing in the box. The shoves have been a trademark of this game....
Irmo now enjoying some possession and they press NW's third..
Through ball in and Irmo almost taps it but NW's keeper collects well!!!
Irmo has subbed their keeper as they have tended to do throughout the season and he is tested there. Good shot is parried down and then collected by the lad. He's done well there to not give up a dangerous rebound.
Moore has a go now from the corner of the 18 and it rolls across the face of the goal...Goal Kick to Irmo
Hubbard has man marked the most dangerous player in SC history and performed admirably. One has to think that Enzo will get something but Irmo's back has stalwarted all his efforts thus far. Irmo are dangerous on throws from even their own half apparently as they launch one.
2 CHANCES OF THE GAME BACK TO BACK!!!
NW stop the throw and were on the break...Moore first a rocket and Irmo's keeper makes the save of his life! A true gem but it falls to a NW player who rockets one just wide!
Foul by Irmo in NW's 3rd here and we have only 32 minutes left. That had to be the quickest 8 minutes since the honeymoon of my first marriage.
NW was in there and the cross from Garbanzo went un hit. NW gets a throw in a dangerous area...
Irmo's individual brilliance earns them a free kick right outside the 18. Should be a chance!
Quote:
Foul by Irmo in NW's 3rd here and we have only 32 minutes left. That had to be the quickest 8 minutes since the honeymoon of my first marriage.
. Hahahahhaa I love your humor while commentating this game. Thank you sir. Keep it up
Shot - save as the ball is struck well but curved into the hands of NW's keeper. Both keepers have been up to the task so far despite constant criticism..
Header goes to Irmo's keeper and Irmo now has a throw in their half.
NW put Alex back into the time and Moore breaks through but is shieled out well. Irmo's backline was charged with the gargantuan task of holding this attack and they have been excellent so far.
Throw in now for Irmo as Padula can throw the ball 50 yards!
Shot...Enzo! Hit low and hard but saved well by Irmo's keeper...the rebound is cleared and NW have a throw...
GOALLLLLLLLL!!!!! NW!!!!!!!!!
I DON'T BELIEVE IT!!! I DON'T BELIEVE IT!!!! WHAT A GOAL!!!!!
Throw in comes out and Alex Martinez strikes the bar with the volley...Garbanzo scissor kicks the rebound from the bar in the back of the net...You just knew there would be brillance in this match. Certainly a contestant for goal of the year! WOW!!!!
NW are all over it as Irmo is reeling from that classic finish! Moore was in on goal but the ball is poked away for a corner...
Another NW corner as they are hungry for a 2nd...the game should really open up now!
Irmo was on the break there after they clear the corner but Benson the CofC bound player calmly clears the ball out...
Let's see if Irmo can keep their composure now...They seem to be doing ok as of this moment but they haven't been down too often if at all this season...
Irmo has a throw in deep in NW territory now...
Throw was launched towards the net and the NW keeper is up to the task. He is fouled but still came up with the ball...play resumes and Enzo is on the ball....
Goal kick to Irmo as their fans may be feeling a bit uneasy after all that jibba jabba...Mr. T warned you about that.
dang it... I knew I should have stayed over night to catch this game!
Throw in deep for NW now as Garbanzo does more work down the sideline and crosses but the return is struck out by Irmo.
LOVE the updates but please post the timw left with each post.
GOALLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!! NW!!!!!!!
sounds too busy to take the time to look at the clock to post remaining time!!!
Garbanzo with a brace off the corner from Clark! More finishing as the pressure simply gets to Irmo. They did not defend that well as Garbanzo slipped in and netted his 2nd near post with a great flick...Irmo has 19 minutes to get something back and they may here with this throw.
WATCH OUT!!!!! ENZO!!!!! GOALLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!! NW!!!!!!!
ENZO COMING IN YOUR LIVING ROOM!!!! Two Irmo defenders fail to communicate and stumble into each other on a 50/50 challenge. The ball drops conviently to the best player perhaps in the country at the moment and he knows exactly what to do with it as he dribbles the keeper wide and slides it home....It has to be game set match and all she wrote but Irmo are not giving in...
please...somebody has got to post this game online when all is said and done!
This could get ugly are we have 17 left to play and many egos have been smashed like homes in Indonesia after the Tsunami. Irmo have a free kick and Zach Acree breaks into the box. Irmo mounting pressure as Irmo coaches (all 25 of them) are getting into it with the officials...
Penalty now Irmo! After much confusion a penalty has been awarded to Irmo as Benson shoved a streaking Aree in the box. Initially no foul given but after conversation..penalty.
GOALLLLLL!!!!!! IRMO!!!!!!!!!!!!! Penalty converted.
With 17 minutes left Irmo has something to play for as it is a 2 goal game. At the conclusion of the penalty Robbie Benson is cautioned for attempting to get the ball out of his own goal...? Odd, I thought that was the proper procedure? Dennis Cook must be looming somewhere around here.
With 16 left to play and HERE WE GO. Everything to play for now as Irmo have nothing to lose. The hits will keep coming surely. If Irmo can strike again they have a real chance. NW is playing physical defense and clearing it to the best forward threesome in the state however and maintain possession a bit.
what is the score? and time left?
Long free kick now for Irmo as Moore is called for offsides...
Rocket ship now for Irmo as their bench is cautioned while they have a throw.
The score is 3-1 and Irmo's bench has just been carded...
We're inside of 13 minutes left and Irmo have a throw in and resulting oppurtunity. Down 2 goals they can't direct the ball on net. Goal Kick to NW...
the coaches were carded? or all player on the bench?
Al Gore and his internet seem to be taking a bath at the most inoppurtune of times. Sorry folks but I'll get the updates out as quick as possible...
Bad clearance from Irmo and NW have a corner...DANGER
Irmo clears as the ball trickles to Irmo's keeper the ball won't escape the Irmo third however as NW has a throw...Allys feet are in play at the moment...
Inside of 10 minutes and if Irmo is to be the victor they'll need something else from this game. NW is clearing every oppurtuniy and dom has pulled back his outside forwards leaving Enzo up top alone....
think i have carpal tunnel in my right index finger
Quote:
think i have carpal tunnel in my right index finger
dude me too
You think you have carpal tunnel? Come to my booth hunny....
Enzo is cautioned for dissent after he is deemed offsides....
uh.... check yourself.. I am swtcarolinagrl!
lol
LOL.... i bow to the master
Another chance for NW who almost saw their 4th!!! Surely that would have ended up but Dennis Moore failed to capitalize on an open net from outside the 18. The ball went out for a throw actually but it would have taken some real magic to score from his position as he found himself outside of the 18 yard box in the corner with no keeper in the net...
Enzo is back in to see his career off to the sunset. He'll surely be discussed at local pubs for years to come as the best to play in this state....Good chance again as Moore was in on goal. Irmo's keeper was up to the task and saves well...
Quote:
Enzo is back in to see his career off to the sunset. He'll surely be discussed at local pubs for years to come as the best to play in this state....Good chance again as Moore was in on goal. Irmo's keeper was up to the task and saves well...
5 Great years of HS soccer for that young man
At the worst moment the site just crashed!!! Oh well, I'm back! The game has not ended and neither have the Irmo tempers. We have 9.7 seconds left and are in a break as Taylor Varney just shoved Alex and jawwed infront of the bench...
GAME SET MATCH NORTHWESTERN....3-1 in an epic match up of two great teams....
ESPN Soccernet ..... thanks for giving us great play by play coverage. You were awesome!
With all the hype that this game was geting it would be easy for high schoolers to disappoint...They did not however as this was one of the best matches I've ever seen! There will be comparisons to Chelsea Liverpool in the UCL early this year but they don't compare as this was live in your face action where players play because tehy love the game and their schools!!!
Both teams played with their hearts on their sleeves tonight and Northwestern has earned the victory! Irmo and their supporters are obviously upset but I believe feel that they were beaten by the better team tonight. Class finishing puts NW through in with a 2nd half that saw 4 goals...
NW is celebrating with a bevy of flags at midfield...they have a multi-national force on the field...
Some Irmo players have dropped their medals to the turf after the reception. It's soccer, we play with our feet ladies and gentlmen....
Thanks to NHS for the best soccer I have seen in a very long time.
As NW recieves their medals and trophy I'll go ahead and throw the stats out there...
Goals
NW - 3 (Garbanzo 53:34, Garbanzo 60:27, E. Martinez 61:34)
Irmo - 1 (Zach Acree, PK, 62:41)
Shots
NW - 16 (8 on goal)
Irmo - 10 (3 on goal)
Saves
NW - 5
Irmo - 4
Corner Kicks
NW - 6
Irmo - 2
Offsides
NW - 7
Irmo - 0
Fouls
NW - 11
Irmo - 16
Cautions -
Just about everyone...
NW will surely burn down the town tonight in Rock Hill and rightfully so...
Congratulations to all our champions and finalists here today. It's been a great day of soccer. I'm tired, all those who worked today are tired. My personal slave and stat-boy is tired. We're going to the pub for a drink or 15. If your in town meet us at Rockaways. I'll be the one with a few women in tow...buy me a beer or 2
SCSOCCER.COM pays me a hefty salary for todays commentary so you won't see me again til next year
(unless I get a bonus for some all-star matches!!)
Ok ladies and gentlemen until next time!!! I'm off to get Enzo's autograph and frame some keepsake tissues tossed onto the floor by Coach Savitz
thanks espn, you kept me glued to the computer all day, great work & congrats to all the teams.
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With 17 minutes left Irmo has something to play for as it is a 2 goal game. At the conclusion of the penalty Robbie Benson is cautioned for attempting to get the ball out of his own goal...? Odd, I thought that was the proper procedure? Dennis Cook must be looming somewhere around here.
Wrong....Benson tackled Acree who was trying to get the ball to midfield for a restart. Should have been a red.
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Penalty now Irmo! After much confusion a penalty has been awarded to Irmo as Benson shoved a streaking Aree in the box. Initially no foul given but after conversation..penalty.
Not exactly. A player in the wall stopped the free kick intentionally with his arm in the box. Did not get a card and should have been a red. This obvious play was ignored by the ref but the AR wouldn't let the twelve on the field from NW get away with it.
look @ score, dont think the ref had anything to do with it, 3 goals in 8 min. 3-0, no coming back from that, maybe next year, just not 2 b peace out and pcp and im out, thanks 4 a great year scsoccer
Look here gsdad. I surely hope this is your bitter son under your name because if not It's a shame...I was simply calling the game like I saw from the box.
If you're sad though, you can borrow some of my phil savitz hall of fame tissues...just return them please.
He is a link to pictures from the boys championship games
http://scsoccer2009.winkflash.comI have the A, AA and AAA posted
AAAA will be coming soon.
I was going to only post the best, but what the heck, (if I had a decent shot) these boys deserve to see themselves.
I had a ball. thanks to SCSOCCER.COM for giving me the opportunity to do what I love (soccer and photography)
Steve - HTP
I couldn't believe all of the media coverage yesterday. There were photographers and television cameras everywhere. Someone even told me that ESPN had a reporter there as well. South Carolina soccer has certainly come a long way in the 15-20 years I've been following it. Thanks to all!
PS - Good job (for the most part) with the P.A. guy last night.
PS - Good job (for the most part) with the P.A. guy last night.
Thanks
Thanks for the great job you did with the updates. I was frustrated with the poor job the refs did on these two (and many other) plays. I could not have done anything close to what you did with the updates. It was a great service to those fans who could not get to the game. Sorry if my posts came out wrong. Congrats to NW. They won the game.
Can the people who were bashing Memorial admit the quality of the pitch last night and the atmosphere of the double sided stand
where are all the bashers of horthwestern's defense, 1 goal on a pk, 1 goal. if u check my predection in an earlier post, i said it would be 3-1. give irmo credit, they did what they could. those of u who said nhs was dirty, check the fouls called, 16 irmo-11 nhs or so recorded by the espn dude. so if nhs was dirty with those numbers what does that make irmo? irmo was good and deserved to be there but the better team won. congrats trojans on a job well done. you deserved it and played like kings. as to the field, it was in good shape and the atmosphere was electric, but the field was still too small. way to go trojans.
Northwestern allowed 10 goals the whole season. I believe that is a state record.
The AAAA pictures have now been posted
http://scsoccer2009.winkflash.comsteve
how does one get copyies of your AAAA pictures?
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Northwestern allowed 10 goals the whole season. I believe that is a state record.
Greenville allowed only four goals in 2007 during their undefeated 27-0 Class 3A State Championship campgain. Greenville allowed eight goals in 2006 during their 23-2 season. South Aiken allowed nine goals in 2005 during their 23-1-1 4A State Championship season. Other totals from "Palmetto's Finest" - an archive published by the S.C. High School League.
LOWEST GOALS ALLOWED TOTALS
4, Greenville (2007), 27 MP
4, Irmo (1988), n/a
5, Fort Mill (1992), n/a
5, Irmo (1987), n/a
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how does one get copyies of your AAAA pictures?
Sign up for a winkflash account.
send me an email (hetakespictures@hotmail.com) with the subject line: SCSoccer Pictures
In the email include your winkflash "user" name
I'll add you to my "friends" list which will give you access to download the hi-def pictures
steve
Oh ok thanks for clarifying Mr. Heise!