Quote:

Matt Abee for Socastee in the 2005 lower state final game against Myrtle Beach. Finished the game with a ruptured spleen from a collision with Myrtle Beach's David Lloyd and still held on for the shutout. Unfortunately wasn't able to feature in the state final game, but I believe they would've won had he played as it finished 3-2 to Eastside (The Socastee player that was in goal let in 3 in the first half, but then scored 2 in the second half when he was put back into the outfield).


------------------------------------------------------------

I graduated from Socastee High School in 2003 and had the honor of meeting and coaching Matt Abee at Socastee when he was just a freshman/sophomore while assisting Coach Suarez. I was present at that fateful Lower-State Final game as well where he played most of the 2nd half with the ruptured spleen. Had Suarez known about it he would have been pulled from the game immediately. But, he made it through and finished the game. As he started to walk towards the bench though he just collapsed. Never(I mean NEVER!) have I seen so much heart and selflessness from an individual so determined to get his team to the final. A truly inspirational leader to the core. It is a shame that the team was not able to capitalize in the final. I would agree that if he had played in that Championship game...it would have had a much different ending. Rarely did he let one get by him as a general rule. I would venture an estimate and say that 85% of the games he started were shutouts. A phenomenal player and an even better person. Definitely among the top goalies from this state in recent history. While Suarez continues to be among the best coaches in the state as well with two trips the State Finals in three years. We shall see what this next season brings us in the end!