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
