Let's use this thread for in depth game summaries. Hopefully it will cut down on congestion in the score report threads and provide a central location for analysis of the finer points of a match.

I'll kick it off with the complete version of my Dreher/Chapin recap. Thanks to Coach Hiller and Coach Hornsby for providing rosters and putting two quality sides on the field.

#2 Chapin vs #9 Dreher
Wednesday, March 5th 2008
Memorial Stadium
Columbia, SC


The NCAA may have trademarked “March Madness,” but the Eagles of Chapin and the Blue Devils of Dreher are doing their best to challenge the collegiate basketball tournament’s namesake. It’s never too early to start playoff talk (there are only so many days in the year!) and that is exactly what this 3A Midlands clash can generate.

Both Chapin and Dreher paid their preseason dues at the Lake Murray Challenge, one side going 0-2 including a 5-2 loss to Irmo – the other achieving a 2-1 victory over defending Class 4A Upperstate Champions Northwestern.

However, if there was ever an argument against like-opponent comparison it was evident tonight at Memorial Stadium. A spirited crowd was on hand to cheer for two teams looking to assert themselves as the cream of the crop in Class 3A Sandhills soccer.

Through fluid one and two touch passing Chapin was able to dictate the tempo from the opening whistle. Dreher’s midfielders and defenders struggled to track the strafing Chapin attackers as they swooped in and around the eighteen yard box. Eventually the Eagles’ suave style of play unlocked the Dreher six yard box for the game’s first genuine scoring opportunity, only to result in a volley over the crossbar from Chapin’s sophomore forward Dylan Matthiessen.

Buoyed by this shot across the bow, the Blue Devils mustered a spout of quality possession, but were unable to convert as junior Robert Switzer ballooned a quality opportunity, with senior forward Daniel Kellogg following suit.

Around the tenth minute, senior midfielder David Slaughter would make the Blue Devils pay when he unleashed a hellacious strike from well outside the eighteen beating Dreher keeper John Beck to the far corner of the goal.

Dreher: 0
Chapin: 1

Although slightly rattled from conceding the early goal, Dreher’s senior keeper steadied his side with a reaction kick save to deny senior forward Skylar Satterfield inside the eighteen. Bolstered by the save, the Blue Devils answered back in admirable fashion. Through a no-nonsense mentality in the back and a recalcitrant effort in the midfield, Dreher was able to maintain possession long enough for junior midfielder Byron Quinatoa to find open space at the edge of the Chapin eighteen. True to the hype, Quinatoa cut to the center of the field and let loose a top-class strike to beat the fingertips of Chapin keeper Greg De Mare to the inside of the post.

Dreher: 1
Chapin: 1

The remainder of the half saw Dreher enjoy a majority of possession, including four stellar opportunities:

1. A sublime through ball from Dreher’s Yani Mourtev found Adam Dillihay in stride, though unable to circumvent De Mare’s stout keeping.
2. Chapin defenders are unable to clear the box as the ball settles at the feet of senior Andy Wall who fails to compose himself and deliver the go-ahead goal.
3. Mourtev offered yet another sitter (this time into the six yard box), but freshmen defender Justin Parker was unable to connect.
4. A quality long ball down the touchline from Quinatoa to Parker results in a corner for the Blue Devils. Quinatoa serves the corner only to have it deflected back to his feet. Dribbles past one Chapin defender for a chance at the near post, but slices the shot well wide.



Halftime
Dreher: 1
Chapin: 1

Halftime Thoughts:
Dreher clearly lacked eleven players with the overall skill that the Eagles displayed. However, the Blue Devils played an inspired half – centered around the persistence and quality of Byron Quinatoa and Adam Dillihay in the midfield. Unlucky not to have converted a handful of opportunities Dreher presented themselves as a formidable opponent.

Chapin opened playing the game the way it should be played. Reminiscent of the quality generally touted by the Upstate juggernauts. However, after the strike by Quinatoa, Chapin failed to answer the intensity of the Blue Devils. The midfield disappeared for the last twenty minutes and the Eagles were lucky to be level at the interval.

After the halftime break, it was déjà vu all over again for the Blue Devils. Chapin opened the half reverting back to their silky brand of soccer, while Dreher struggled to clear their defensive third.

Finally, the unrelenting pressure resulted in an open look for Chapin midfielder Ben Bosco who floated an excellent chance high and wide. However, the Eagles maintained their presence in the attacking third long enough for sophomore sensation Joey De Mare to dance to the end line and send a savory ball in front of the goal mouth to a poised Haze Weinspach. Dreher defenders closed quick enough to block the shot, although conceding the corner. Weinspach appeared to pick up a knock on the play and did not return for the remainder of the match.

Senior forward David Stone scorched a dangerous cross to the near post and sophomore Daniel Thunell’s attempt to clear glanced from his head into the far side net for an own goal.

Dreher: 1
Chapin: 2

Perhaps in years past after allowing a soft goal in such a tight match the flood gates would open and swallow the Blue Devils. Not so in 2008. The versatility of Dreher utility man senior Alex Hill along with the depth in defense helped shore the hole left by injured sweeper Luke Berson. In an effort to stabilize the midfield and retain possession Hill moved up field granting sophomore defender Preston Mousseau the duty of subduing Chapin’s compelling strike force.

Possession gradually evened out as Yani Mourtev and Byron Quinatoa asserted their presence yet again, by working back for the ball. Coupled with improved distribution from Beck and the Blue Devils were back insight of evening the score.

For the next twenty minutes both sides traded their best blows, each missing 1v1 opportunities. Dreher finished the match strong as Dillihay redirected a 45 yard free kick just wide of the post and a Chapin keeper at full stretch.

In the fashion of a great soccer match, there was a cornucopia of scoring opportunities - capped off by two quality strikes and a lapse in concentration to make the difference. The better team won, but not without having some serious questions asked. Ultimately, the match was the perfect test for both sides as they begin region play in less than a week and will serve to better their postseason aspirations.

Final
Dreher - 1
Chapin – 2

Post game Thoughts:
Dreher certainly will be looking at this match as a missed opportunity to upset a Chapin side that has been on fire to start the season. The focus now shifts to 15th ranked Region 3-3A rival A.C. Flora. Capitalizing on scoring opportunities and minimizing mental errors will be a point of emphasis in the Blue Devils’ preparation.

Chapin is a bona fide contender. The Eagles have all the tools to play the “beautiful game,” but need to be able to adjust to more physical competition. Strong in every third of the field, they are clear favorite for the Region 4-3A title, though Brookland-Cayce will have their say later this month.

Goals: (C) David Slaughter, David Stone; (D) Byron Quinatoa
Corner Kicks: (C) 3; (D) 3
Cautions: (C) David Stone, David Slaughter, Skylar Satterfield; (D) Freeman Myrick, Taylor Nelson
Halftime: Dreher 1 – 1 Chapin
Records: D (0-3); C (5-1)

Players to Watch

Dreher:
Byron Quinatoa- It took him (along with the rest of his team) a good ten minutes to settle into the game. However, once he got into the match he rarely left it. There are very few aspects of the game that Byron does not excel in. He can deliver an array of dangerous balls from the midfield, as well as dribble to space, and absolutely is not timid facing goal. As an attacker Byron has a great sense of where he needs to be to make a play successful. Quinatoa doesn’t just score goals though. He is often working back for the ball in his defensive third. Team offense – team defense, that is what you get from Byron Quinatoa. If there is one aspect he can improve it is his strength in the air.

Chapin:
Joey De Mare- Statistically speaking, De Mare had a quiet evening. Despite failing to appear on the score sheet, De Mare was central in many of the Eagles’ attempts on goal. He is a player that can play at another level, both in pace and skill. On several occasions he received a well delivered cross in stride and then made a cut inside/outside reminiscent of a certain Manchester United winger. Ability – plain and simple. A player that can create opportunities for himself and others.