Yep ... amazing ... got there with 5 minutes to go in first half and saw 45 minutes of perplexing soccer.

Northwestern basically finished almost everything they tried with some gifted individuals up top. I still wonder why Irmo didn't play another guy back to try and keep those two (Ricky, Dennis) from 1v1 or 1v2 situations ... but I digress.

Irmo played with a lot of heart and controlled the last 25 minutes once down 3-0, but even though they got it to 3-2, they never played particularly smart. Fouls when trying to keep the game moving, long shots instead of building for closer shots. The NW GK didn't have to make a ton of saves - many shots were off the frame. But - still - both teams are to be commended for a HARD-FOUGHT match. And Ricky ... WOW!

Before you read further, let me say this. I was on the Irmo side and didn't hear the NW students. I also don't want to hear that "this happens all over the place and you just need to get over it."

I sat within ear-shod of the Irmo students. Multiple times - at least 10 - they yelled "bullsh*t" in unison to referee calls (or non calls), and when someone went down for NW with an injury, again, in unison "p*ssy." This was VERY audible on the Irmo side and there's no doubt everyone could hear it.

Now, kids will be kids - I get that. They hear it on TV and see it from college BK students and emulate. HOWEVER, this is high school. My disappointment wasn't with the students ... it's with the Irmo parents, administrators, teachers or any of the thousand coaches on the sideline (one of which who played to the students to get them fired up). My sons' principal would have been down there telling them to clean it up on the first BS and if the principal wasn't around, any number of parents would have stopped them. Instead, NOT A SINGLE Irmo parent stepped up to tell them to cheer and cheer loudly, but with class.

Yes, it's easy to show your class or lack thereof when the chips are down. We see it all the time. But this was a learning opportunity for students and not a single adult or ANYONE associated with IHS went over there to tell them to clean it up. SHAME ON YOU, Irmo High School ... you should be embarrassed by your student's actions and by your lack of action. I hope someone else mentions this to the principal because this should not be tolerated. I was going to bring my youngest son to the match but couldn't and I'm glad I didn't. I would have had to have moved.

And, NO, it wasn't MY JOB to tell Irmo students to calm down. There were MANY, MANY teachers and parents around me who could have done it and only stood there ignoring or looking at each other with no intention of doing a thing.

What a shame such a hard-fought match could be marred by actions - or lack thereof. And if this was for another forum, then so be it. I figured many Irmo parents would be on here later and could comment. I welcome your feedback.

Again, congrats to the Irmo (and NW) players for a great game. All should hold their heads high!