I would just like to congratulate both the Hilton Head and Summerville players on a very hard fought and well played match. It was one of the better matches I’ve seen between two very talented and evenly matched teams.
I have to say, though, that I’m disappointed to see many of the comments posted on this board regarding the game. Apparently there are many who believe that the game was stolen from Hilton Head and that our guys did not deserve to win. While I’m not a proponent of ending a regular season game in penalties, that’s the way it ended. Our stats on the game are as follows:
1st half shots on target: shs-2, hh-3
2nd half shots on target: shs-12, hh-2
ot shots on target: shs-0, hh-2
1st half corners: shs-1, hh-2
2nd half corners: shs-6, hh-0
ot corners: shs-0, hh-2
I know that these numbers may vary depending on who takes them, but they speak for themselves and I would say that either side had a chance to win in regulation. I’ve seen the tape of the game and noted the pk call at the end. It was not a hard foul but I absolutely do not agree that the game was gifted to us on that play. I did not and I’m not aware of any of my assistants noting to the stands that the ref owed us that call. Nor do we instruct our players to simulate fouls in the box.
I think Summerville should be credited and congratulated for a good win against a very quality opponent. The players have worked too hard and played too well to be discredited. The Hilton Head players should also be given credit for a well played match. It’s become a wonderful rivalry the last few years (5 wins apiece in the past 5 years) and I’m sorry to see Hilton Head move out of this region next year. I wish them the best in the remainder of the season.