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Green Hope 0 @ Apex 2 (Semifinals of NC State HS 4A Playoffs)
Read the story
in the Raleigh News and Observer
Green Hope had everything they wanted going into the State Semi-finals:
a bitter rival, a ton of fans, nice weather (for the first half)
and a recent run of 4 wins to build their confidence.
As the first half started, the Falcons were dominating. John Hindman
and Evan Paussa were able to get behind the defense a couple of
times, but could not capitalize. Paussa's throw-ins were excellent
into the Apex box, but nobody could put the bouncing balls in the
net. Eric Butterly was serving superb free-kicks that would roll
across the 6 yard box without being tapped toward goal, the midfield
was winning their battles while the defense was stellar.
Against the run of play, Apex got down the left wing and served
a low ball toward the near post. The Apex player was able to get
behind the last Falcon and redirect it into the net. The half expired
0-1 in Apex's favor. Early in the second half, the weather changed
dramatically as the rain poured onto the stadium. The field flooded
with water due to the heavy rain in a 10-minute deluge. Players
from both teams were not able to pass the ball without it stopping
in puddles and individuals dribbling were tackled by the water,
not their opponent. This 10-minute span was really a dead point
in the game where neither team could control or advance the ball
with any purpose. When the rain subsided, the field was very slick,
but more playable than during the storm.
The Falcons continued to press for the equalizer, but could not
find the net. Apex was able to neutralize some Falcons who had previously
played so well and Green Hope struggled with their passing style
of play with the field conditions and the play of Apex. Apex won
a corner kick from the right side. The Falcons were not worried
as they rehearsed Apex's near post corners numerous times in training;
however the near post drive skipped on the wet surface and rebounded
off a Falcon into the goal for an own-goal. 0-2 Apex in the lead.
The Falcons tried a comeback. They pressed and pressed. With 15
minutes to play, the team changed to 2 defenders only, 4 midfielders
and 4 forwards to try to muster an attack. Unfortunately, the team
was unable to create a scoring chance and Apex was able to hold
on. In the Falcons 7 losses this year, 6 of them were games where
the Falcons could not score a single goal on numerous chances. This
night would be the same as time expired with both teams spent, Apex
advanced to the Finals.
The Falcons enjoyed a successful season. Following the graduation
of two All-State players last year and with this year's team having
no bona fide 'superstars', people around the area expected Green
Hope to have a down year. Not so, the players trained hard, bought
into a team concept, learned a new tactical system to play to their
strengths and had great pride, commitment, dedication and sacrifice
to overachieve. Congratulations to the 2005 Green Hope Falcons for
a super year.
Thank you to all of the parents who volunteered to line fields,
host dinners, call in statistics, take tickets at home games, work
concessions, maintain a top-flight website and most importantly
support your sons and the Green Hope soccer program. A special thank
you to the coaches that volunteer their time: Pete McEwen, Mike
Sepelak and Matt Slocum.
Finally, to all of the returning players next year, both JV and
Varsity: You have a great opportunity! 10 Seniors graduate and you
will be able to make a great impact, IF you train and work hard
for the next 8 and a half months. You have an obligation to uphold
the great Green Hope Soccer tradition set by the players that played
before you.
Thank you,
Andrew Chadwick
Head Boys Soccer Coach- Green Hope High School
Congratulations and Good Luck to all the Seniors!
Jonathan Schwartz
Patrick Danford
Evan Paussa
Nate Dixon
Eric Desloge
Ryan Lockhart
Chris Girard
Eric Butterly
Nick Roos
Mark Trawick
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