I had the pleasure of going to the Irmo/Chapin game tonight, and let me say that this was one of the most exciting, intense matches I have witnessed in a while. Both teams played with extreme effort, and the game atmosphere was just fun to be a part of. Anyways for a brief synopsis of the game, from my eyes:
1st Half:
The first half was controlled primarily by Irmo. They did a great job of possessing the ball and created a ton of goal-scoring opportunities; however, they were unable to capitalize. Kyle McEwan had an absolute laser of a shot that must have gone about 8 inches too high. Chapin played solid defensively for the most part, although they did give up too many deep throws and corners. Yet the emotion was there on both sides.
Score at the half: Irmo 0 Chapin 0
2nd Half:
Very different feel to the game in this half. Chapin got their act together and did a very good job of controlling the midfield. They generated a few good chances yet really couldn't get a clean strike on the ball. Irmo's defense played better than I have seen them play all year, by a long shot. Joey DeMare was almost completely neutralized by #3 (Hubbard?). He was on him tight the entire match, really did a good job. The half was very back and forth, emotions running very high, so there were a few cards going back and forth. There was one moment where a brawl almost broke out after Jugal Dalal (Irmo) got seemingly tackled by David Slaughter.
Irmo capitalized finally at the 78' minute mark. On a quick counter attack, McEwan received the ball near midfield, carried it for about ten yards and slid it through to a streaking Taylor Varney. Varney got behind the defense, and touched the ball around Greg DeMare and tucked it in. The rest of the game was basically Irmo holding the ball in the corner trying to run out the clock. A Chapin player, can't remember who at the moment, did receive a red card in the final minute for a pretty malicious tackle.
Final Score: Irmo 1 Chapin 0
Overall, a great rivalry game with tremendous heart and effort displayed by both teams. Good luck to both teams the rest of the season.
