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Soccer sometimes teaches our children more than how to strike a ball well, slide tackle, or pass. I was reminded of it last night in the Emerald vs. Woodruff game.

I want to congratulate the Emerald Vikings on playing a great game last night against a solid Woodruff team. It has been a long month for our Emerald girls as they have had to cope with much turmoil within our program. Last night was their third game in three days and just like so many other teams - we were dealing with injuries. Emerald has swapped wins and loses with Woodruff in the past, but this is a rebuilding year for Emerald, and our girls knew even if they were rested and healthy (which they weren’t) a win last night was near impossible. In the face of adversity, our girls had two choices: (1) Play with everything they had or (2) play how folks expected them to play (me included). The Lady Vikings found within themselves and each other the determination to put up a great team effort. When that final whistle blew each player had left everything she had to give on that field. Emerald lost 0-3, but I could not be more proud of our girls. For our unsung heroes on defense Corinne Burdette, Alma Gonzalez, Catherine Stelling, Cate Davis and Alex Bishop – what an effort you had last night! For Goalkeeper Rachel Baggett, that was one heck of a game you played! To rest of those wonderful Emerald Vikings - Katie Doud, Morgan Riddle, Nicole Upton, Lindsey Adams, April Weaver, Dede Carter, Stephanie Whitmire, Bree Lee, Caroline Callison, Brooke Wightman, and Megan Fuqua – each of you are amazing. To those of you who played injured – what a selfless act. I do not know how you are still standing. For those who could not play, your enthusiasm and support made a difference.

The keeper made a SPECTACULAR save in the first half—diving outstretched to her right and snagging a fine shot. Bravo!

Just to add—I feel last night was technically the best match Woodruff has played all season. Yet, it was a struggle to finish 3 goals. Emerald was certainly playing with all they had.

I also want to say that not only is Woodruff's Amanda Tinker a great soccer player but a class act. At last night's match, Tinker gave kudos to a couple of our players. Like I said in the previous post Emerald has been dealing with some difficult things, and her timing could not have been any better.

P&Y - Thank you. I will let the girls know what you said. It will mean alot to them because they have the upmost respect for Woodruff.

This is adversity that is very difficult to overcome heading into the playoffs.

http://www.scnow.com/midatlantic/scp/local_news.apx.-content-articles-BTW-2007-04-27-0003.html

Kick - How awful for the girls at Marlboro County! Do you know if "the solicitation of a minor" was with one of his own players? This is a cruel reminder that we must have checks and balances with the adults who are left in charge of our young people.

I am not sure of the details. As I posted in the thread regarding MC, he is a friend. Have known him now for a couple years as an official and a coach. He is a good guy from all my interactions.

Checks and balances? Are you saying that we don't know with SLED checks, AD's, involved parents, assistant coaches, and district procedures for conduct with minors and opposite gender athletes? Or that it's good those things are already in place?

Amazing! He was my daughters instructor at Ralf Lundy last summer. A very quiet, likable guy scott was. I wish Marlboro County the best of luck against us.

W&E:
Yes it is good those things are in place. I hope the Marlboro program had 2 coaches, an involved AD, and someone listening to concerns of parents. Just because athletic programs are "suppose to" does not mean they always do.