As expected, this match was a scrappy game from the whistle.
After both keepers were severely tested during the first 30 minutes Chapin's Colden King served a perfect ball into the area from 60 yards that hit the ground right at the feet of Keeper Rob Sullivan. Sullivan nearly had a handle on it but it got away from him just enough to enable Joey DeMare the split second he needed to get a foot on it for the goal.
Chapin's Chris Ricketson played a great game in the middle disrupting the fluid play IRMO normally generates in the middle. The combined attack of Joey and Dillon really tested the IRMO back line.
After that goal IRMO stepped up their intensity and three minutes later Zach Acree drove corner kick into the box where Mike Day absolutely punished the ball with a great header.
The first half ended tied 1-1.
In the second half both sides continued to trade scoring opportunities, but as is usually the case Wofford bound Billy Padula threw a ball into the box where this time it was the Chapin keeper who nearly got a handle on it on the ground but left just enough room for a poised Connor Dunbaker to find the net.
This match was a battle between two teams of players who have played together at the club level since they were 10 years old. Tempers flared but remained in check.
As is customary for a match-up between these two teams, the student faithful were out in all of their glory creating a great atmosphere. Best of luck to both going forward.
The IRMO standout for me tonight was Presbyterian commit Oliver Nobels. Oliver defended well and played a significant role in the continuos attack IRMO generated throughout the game. He was focused while on the attack and poised when under pressure. Good stuff Oli!
Go get Aiken next boys. One half at a time.
I also think Henrik Westerkam did a great job at right back. He played very composed and really stepped up. Good job Henrik.
