[Preface: My submission -- the first Irmo/Lexington game -- from the posting after that game.]
I don't think I've ever seen a more exciting high school match than Irmo versus Lexington last night. Congratulations to both teams. In most soccer games a 4-2 match would seem not to be a close game; however, this one was a nail-biter until the final whistle blew.
Irmo came into this game obviously having made the decision to play a wide open game. They scored two very quick goals in the first twelve minutes to lead 2-0. One goal was on a corner (it was actually an own goal off Lexington); the second goal was a pretty breakaway with a nice move and shot by Rachel Wadsworth. I think that Wadsworth is among the better offensive players in the state; her speed and decision-making really showed well last night.
During the first twelve minutes, Lexington looked nervous; the team was having problems defensively clearing and finding each other on passes. After the first 15 minutes or so, Lexington began playing better starting with a wonderful assist by Allie Johns that led to a score. This was followed by a score by Emily Adams on a set play. The teams went into the half tied at 2-2. Lexington was lucky to be tied; my guess is that statistically Irmo did better in the first half.
Lexington continued to get better in the second half doing a much better job of working together. The third goal was scored on a 35-40 yard free kick. The penalty leading to the free kick was caused by Kelly Maupin doing a wonderful job of forcing a foul when she broke through the defense -- Maupin did a great job much of the night of drawing fouls by relentlessly attacking Irmo's defense. The fourth goal was scored by Stephanie Gauthier on another set play. Lexington has now scored at least one goal per game on set plays in their last three games -- the team is doing a much better job on set plays than in the earlier part of the season.
Lexington got beaten consistently on 50-50 balls in the first half. In the second half, the team did a much better job of stepping up and winning more of its share of 50-50's. The Lexington defense, which had a rough first half, did a much better job in the second half. Irmo should get a lot of credit here; they really do have a dangerous offense with some good players who look to combine rather than simply try to carry the ball up the field.
I believe that Irmo is vastly superior to its record. I've seen them play several times now -- and while certainly Irmo looks terrible when it has an off-game (e.g., Irmo versus Wando at the Fort Mill Invitational); this is a very good team that I think is going to give some other teams outside of its region fits during the play-offs. Their speed and intelligence on offense, and their ability to quickly find open teammates, is amazing when the team is "on" -- and I think that Irmo is getting better with each game that they play.
I can't remember when Lexington has ever come from behind in a 2-0 game to win it. Irmo used a strategically smart defensive posture that seemed to use a loose marking strategy coupled with a zone. It effectively punished Lexington when they tried to carry the ball rather than look for the open player. Irmo also did a good job of overloading the middle of the field and getting plays started from there. Lexington did a good job eventually of adapting by playing more disciplined defense, clearing the ball quickly and simply, passing quickly and simply, and finding feet with their passes simply and quickly.
Good luck to both teams in the remainder of their season leading to the playoffs.
