And we're off like a herd of turtles!!! Lexington in all white vs. Clover in all navy. Overcast, 67 on a fresh cut and lined soccer field. Clover is a blue-collar hard working team, while Lexington will look to exploit the Blue Eagles with their clever, technical skill.
Lexington scores in just the third minute behind a Rustin McAlister goal. The senior darted in and notched a simple finish past the gk Sudol.
Officials for today's match are Farris Griffin, Mario Del Pino, and Joe Balazs.
A decent crowd on hand for this early morning match. Clover has a free kick from midfield and it's cleared out by Lexington for a throw. Long throw in to be taken by 17 Chandler McGill. GOAL!!! from Clover off the throw. Header by #15 Austin Schlirf! 1:1
7' 1:1 ... Freiburger is dropped like a bad habit on the ensuing kickoff and free kick Wildcats. Piercing all from Clover towards Schlirff, but knocked out for a throw.
Push in the back by Lexington and Mashburn's free kick sails to the Wildcat keeper (Parton).
Rumor is that Freiburger is headed to USC, but I haven't seen it.
To be fair, I believe Freiburger is injured, but he has not been LHS best player this tourney for sure. Maybe not even top 2-3.
Hand ball on Clover outside the penalty area. Direct kick for Lexington. McAlister or Beaty look to have this one sized up. Great save by the gk and a throw in for Lexington.
14'
Lexington 1:1 Clover
Shots: 4:2
Long throw for Clover. McGill's throw in is headed out by a leaping Freiburger. The Wildcat keeper spills it and gives a second chance. 6s and 7s in the back, but it goes out for a goalkick.
20' Beaty's free kick service is poor, heck I've had better service at the Salty Nut in 5 Points.
Lexington's Sammy Andrews finally getting into the action. He's been silky smooth most of the week, but it's the first time we have really seen him today.
McAlister gets a great feed from Adam Yonge and it's a goal for the Wildcats! 2:1, 22'
McAlister breaks free again and his shot is deflected wide. Andrews scrambles and slips in the quagmire in front of the goal and danger is averted for Clover. Lexington seems to be finding a rhythm. Yonge is hammered from behind in front of the press box by #19. Beaty's free kick again is bad and it's cleared out by the Eagles. Not sure what's up with the 30-yards on the floor drives.
Clover's Johnson (#19) again pops a LHS player from behind. He's close to getting a caution.
27' LHS 2:1 CHS
I've not seen this much slippin and slidin since my last trip to Myrtle Waves or that backyard bonanza shindig in '92. Lexington Two may want to invest in a field maintenance crew or learn to grow grass in the middle of a soccer field. Looks like football has taken its' toll.
Mud is the operative word for the center of the pitch.
Widenhouse misses a wide open sitter from 5 yards away, if that far. He absolutely wanks the equalizer. Oh the humanity!
Schlirff hammers a shot wide right. Awwwww! Clover has a free kick in front of the Palmetto Tree and Crescent Moon. Nice touch! Cleared out.
50/50 balls result in much pushing by Clover. Didn't see many of those called yesterday, but Griffin is on top of this one today. Another Clover foul.
AGAIN????!!!!???? The same play for Aighewi. 38'
Corner for Lexington as halftime approaches. Entertaining match thus far. Lexington has been the better side, but only have a goal advantage. Corener is picked off and there is the whistle.
Lexington 2:1 Clover
and now we are back into second half action....field appears to be drying out a bit, except for the hog swamp down in front of the west end goal!
Lexington is in complete control at this point...a corner here is played out deep where it is pounded toward the net and deflected by Clover defender, straight into the hands of the keeper.
And Lexington gets another chance, but guess what? Yep, wasted! Off the crossbar!
20 minutes into the second period and Clover has had 0 opportunities. But the score remains 2-1, favor to Lexington!
and well Clover has finally succumbed to the Wildcat pressure as we have the first goal of the period here in the 61st minute! Lexington extends their lead to 2 with a score of 3-1.
WOW, no let up from Lexington as we have ANOTHER goal, this time off a header from a brilliantly crossed ball! Score Lexington 4-1 Clover.
Immediately Clover drives the field a gets a great opportunity as the striker beats the keeper but sends the ball across the goal and out wide.
Still not letting up, Lexington will put another one in the net! This will extend there lead. They are really gearing up for that championship later today! Lexington 5-1 Clover
We are under 10 to play and the Wildcats will continue to dominate this half!
As we get ready to put this one in the record books, Lexington will finally get some bench players into the match. But his doesnt change the pace of the match, as these boys want to make their mark on this tournament and are really giving Clover the business.
But look at this..here in the 80th minute, clover will get one back on a corner, cutting the score to 5-2.
and that is the way this one will end Lexington dominating the second period and sailing into the finals later today by winning this one 5-2.
Great showing by the CLover Blue Eagles here in the 2011 Palmetto Cup as they will finish the tournament in the 4th place spot.
