MUCH improved conditions tonight. Still pretty cold compounded by a steady mist towards the end of the night, but nothing remotely like the insanity that was last night.
I arrived at Harry Parone during the halftime break of James Island vs Mauldin. By this time Mauldin had a 1-0 advantage.
Before I recap, I have to say:
Mauldin has the UGLIEST kits I have ever seen in prep sports - possibly in all sport. Even worse than these:
..I digress.
Both teams came out of the break strong. I was impressed with the overall skill of both teams. Each seemed as though they were comfortable with the ball at their feet under pressure. Communication was excellent, though Mauldin's passing was more intuitive which gave them an extra step.
James Island certainly possessed the ball, but never seemed to be able to sustain pressure in the eighteen. Opportunities came from the perimeters and the top of the eighteen, but Mauldin's back line closed quickly inside the box - rarely allowing more than a first touch.
Mauldin attacked in just about every way imaginable. Left or right it made no difference - short, short, long, - give and go through balls - corner flag and cross - dribble through the center - and the kitchen sink!
Maudlin's size in the midfield gave James Island fits on set pieces. There were a handful of free headers from corners and free kicks where Trojan defenders were muscled away, though unpunished.
Mauldin scored their 2nd goal from a ball played to streaking sophomore midfielder Leah Young. Young carried the ball with pace down the left flank and then finished with a well placed shot just inside the farside post.
Final 2-0 Mauldin.
