Well said Old Gal. As a team that played JL Mann the prior weekend on Saturday, I was really surprised that nothing had changed from the previous soccer season when the DFHS boys had to play up there in 3rd round of the playoffs. The field had not changed one bit. Utterly embarrassing for JL Mann, can you say sand traps, potholes, and weed city. Again, as was case last year with the DFHS Boys, the DFHS girls had to endure atrocious field conditions that were probably no better, maybe even worse, than the playing fields you might see in a National Geographic photo op spread in some 3rd world country. Both Boys and Girls soccer coaches, the athletic director, and Principal of JL Mann High School should be embarrased to even call that place a soccer field or even entertain the idea of hosting a playoff game or regular season game. SCHSL should abolish the practice of all schools from having to play on such a dangerous field. Like Old Gal said, absolutely no parent of any JL Mann player should ever be allowed to complain about any other schools facilities or field/stadium conditions. Fix your own home before making comments about someone else's home. As was said last year, there are too many quality field options, within the general area of Greenville, where better fields exist and are a much safer alternative. JL Mann's soccer field is a risk to all kids who play on it - both JL Mann players and visiting players. As a Magnate school, and a school who tends to be the envy of many, both Academically and Athletically, it boggles the mind how bad of a facility you can have. Again, not 30 yards from the soccer field, there is a baseball field that is PRISTINE and well manicured, their outfield looks like an Augusta National fairway. The soccer field looks like a grazing cow pasteur. One that you might see as you ride through the beautiful Woodruff country side heading up to Greenville. Here is a suggestion, Get some TURF (plenty of big industry in upstate - naming rights to stadium maybe). If turf idea fails, pay Saint Joe's to rent their soccer field for playoffs - .5 miles up the street. Play at the Kroc Center if needed. Safer alternatives and options exists. Sorry to go on about this again, but I find it ironic how some within this very post are so mad that Lexington won (Legit win by the way - evidence proved it - camera don't lie), they are stooping to the level to complain about Irmo facilities and the wind! Gimme a break, Gimme a break, break yourself off a piece of that Kitt Katt bar and swallow some humility and dignity. Lose with class and don't try to blame the field conditions, the bathrooms, the PA system, Rawlings balls, or the wind.
PS - That was a GREAT game between two tough talented teams, no matter how you slice it. You hate that one team had to win and one team had to lose, but that is the nature of the game. 2 years ago, I saw a team take 25 shots and only make 1 goal. I watched their opponent take 5 shots and make 3 goals. At the end of the day, Lexington made it count when it needed to, JL Mann did not. JL Mann probably had more chances, but they failed to seize the opportunities they were given or created. Lexington pulled a Carpe Diem moment when they needed to.
