If anything, the cancellation of the remaining games in the Viking Cup and the Greenwave Cup (the latter to a lesser extent) has left us all a bit more interested in where some teams stand to start the season. Without the rigors of a top level tournament to weed out early contenders from possible pretenders; final scrimmages and early season matches may gain a bit more attention. For 2009 there is no VC curse to overcome, nor crown to be defended. There is only the upcoming season, and all the twists and turns it holds.
To the games:
Tuesday - 3/3
South Aiken vs North Augusta
CRSA dominance will be on the line again, and for the first time since 1994, these teams are in different classifications. Each is looking to make a mark with strong squads in 09.
Wednesday - 3/4
Eastside vs Boiling Springs
Eastside looks to be one of the top 3 in the upper state in AAA (Riverside and Mann the others). Boiling Springs continues to improve. Could be interesting...
JL Mann vs Byrnes
Someone said Rae Wilson had ALL 4 goals! In a Viking Cup match!! A SHORTENED match!!! Wow is the only word for the senior Patriot's performance. Byrnes was all the rage in the early part of 08, so how will 09 start off?
Thursday 3-5
Aiken vs Blythewood
Ron has the Lady Hornets buzzing again. I remember a few years back, Claire Joyce and Upperstate title game. Could Aiken be in the mix come mid May? Blythewood stumbled against Lexington, but look for a strong showing from the girls this week.
Chapin vs Lexington
Attention to the state, rumors of Lexington's demise have been greatly exaggerated. Another strong match-up between teams that won't see each other come playoff time!
Friday - 3/6
Dorman vs Fort Mill
Two teams that know how to play soccer and get the win. How many 1 goal wins have these two squads notched in the last five years? Good pre-season matchup between teams who are used to the 3rd round and beyond come May.
