SC Soccer Forums SCSoccer.com Forums Boys Varsity Soccer Region 5

I think both of you may be right. DF has a lot of talent on their team as does Irmo. In fact, Region 5 has tones of talent all together. I believe it is the most competitive region in our state. Irmo has a great attack with Prince and Monroe but, they lack a backfield and a solid keeper. DF's talent is more spread out, lacking in no specific area like Irmo. SV has plenty of talent all around(especially in the backfield). I believe the two best teams will face Friday for the Region. Irmo vs. Spring Valley. This will be a great game between two of the states powerhouse teams.

Despite a couple of grammatical errors, RealSC has a point. Everyone knows that Region 5 has the most talent, and I'm sure the results of this week will show who has worked harder this season. Just curious, but who are the teams that are in Region 6?

Region 5 standings at the end of the year:
1. Spring Valley
2. Irmo
3. Dutch Fork
4. Ridge View

Region 6 is composed of
West Florence
South Florence
Sumter
Marlboro County
Conway
Hartsville

Let's look at Irmo's "weak" defence. In their past 8 games, they have given up 2 goals...both in a 6-2 win. That includes 2 shutouts against Dutch Fork, and one against Spring Valley...sounds pretty weak to me. Now, lets look at the 5 games before that. 5 games, 4 goals, none with more than 1. Yes, that's a little weaker. Now, the first two games of their season is the problem which most people are talking about. 7 goals, 2 games.

Irmo's defence has gotten progressively better, and are quite possibly the hottest defensive team in the state right now, considering their past 8 games, specifically 3 of them. I believe their struggle in the first 2 games was not due entirely to their defence (young as it is, and probably not at the same caliber of teams past) but mostly goalie problems. It appears that either the goalie has stepped it up, or their defence has or both. Whatever has changed, I don't think it is talent, as that was there all along. The pieces have finally fallen into place, and I wouldn't want to be facing Irmo down the stretch, as they seem to be playing Yellow Jacket soccer.

Now, for the impressive and talented defences of Spring Valley and Dutch Fork

DF, past 8 games, 9 goals allowed. in the 4 big games out of those 8 vs. chapin, spring valley twice and Irmo, 7 goals. 5 games before that, 9 more goals! and in their first 2, an impressive 0 goals allowed.

SV, past 8 games, 4 goals allowed. Between Dorman, Irmo, and Dutch Fork twice, they allowed 3. 5 games before that, 3 goals, Mauldin and Dreher accounted for 3 all of them. And in their first 3 games, 2 goals to Bishop England.

I think its pretty much self-explainitory that the most dominant defence (on paper) is Irmo. That MAY BE due to the other teams missing opportunities. But I'll take the defence that gets the shutouts without the talent, over the one that gives up 4 in their most important game to date, but has all the talent in the world.

As harsh as this may sound, you can't possibly know what its like as a player on the field. Different situations occur, which lead to different outcomes. A player would understand a lot more than someone on the sidelines. Sometimes the circumstances aren't right, and a team may not get the opportunities deserved. Thats a give in...this is soccer. I agree, on paper, the best defense is Irmo. Although they haven't given up many goals, they are very suspect to pressure. As soon as a offense penetrates Irmo's defense, the floodgates will open. I will post my opinion and say that Spring Valley has the best defense, despite what you may think.

You opinion is certainly sound. And I'll agree that Spring Valley's defence is more talented, and they have nothing short of a spectacular goalie. However, as I said, would you rather be talented, and lose, or be Irmo?

Benp... It is very rare that I disagree with what you write, for the most part the information you provide is excellent. However...

Point 1 - be it known that I was on record at the beginning when the nay sayers where blasting Irmo, that I felt Irmo was going to be a factor nevertheless.

Point 2 - DF for sure has the better keepers in region 5. Whether they perform or not different argument.

Point 3 - The game is a players game, However the coach prepares the players. So coaching is a big factor.

Point 4 - I have seen Irmo, DF , Ridgeview and SV play once each. The region is closer than some of the scores may indicate.

Point 5 - There is the eternal match-up issue. Some teams match-up well with another regardless of record. This is evident by the apparent A beats B who beats C who beats A situation in this region. Defenses are tested differently and may not perform as planned

Point 6 - What are the issues within the team? injuries, discipline, etc...

Point 7 - experience... Irmo is Senior loaded again, SV I do not know, DF is Junior loaded, RV is senior loaded.

Point 8 - leadership, who do players turn to in rough times? Is that player able to be the leader?

I could go on and on. The basic point is that you do not know why they lost 4-1 as well as why they beat Irmo in pks. Unless you were on the field you cannot tell. I am not making excuses for anyone, it was a region game and they should have step it up a notch. They didn't, SV did and SV got a well deserved win. SV vs Irmo will determine the region winner.

In the end all 4 teams will get at least 2 games in the play-offs as they play Region 6 which has nothing to challenge.

Good luck to all in the playoffs

I agree with each of your points. All I'm saying is that you can talk all day about Irmo's weak defense, and how team's A, B, and C's defenses are more talented, and I'll even agree with you, and if this were club, then it would be the more talented team that matters, because thats where colleges are looking to recruit. But the FACT is that this is high school soccer, and its not about who has more talent, its about winning games, and making memories. Right now, Irmo is letting their play speak for themselves.