CLOVER – Starting at a fevered pace, the Clover Blue Eagles beat Nation Ford 4-1 in the third round of the 5A boys’ soccer playoffs.
The two teams split the regular season series with each one picking up a win. However, Friday’s game was more important as it put one of them in the 5A Upper State Championship, while ending the other’s season.
Clover got some good early chances to open the game and wasted no time scoring finding the back of the net in the third minute of play with a goal from Gavin Egan.
Nation Ford got a chance within the first 10 minutes on a free kick, but the Blue Eagles were able to clear the box without a legitimate chance.
Clover seemed to be more aggressive in the first half as they were able to control possession more effectively.
Those possessions and some patience paid off in the 19th minute when the Blue Eagles scored again off the foot of Grady Pierce to make it 2-0.
Clover got an on-goal three minutes later as Nation Ford accidentally put the ball in to extend the Blue Eagles lead. The goal was credited to Egan.
Nation Ford started playing better and was able to find some shot attempts, but missed on those shots.
The Falcons’ best chance to score in the first half came with less than two minutes left in the first half as a free kick from Ryan Marlovits hit the top of the crossbar.
“We were on our heels right off the bat and they go to us,” said Nation Ford head coach Kenny Halas. “They were more aggressive. I though we prepared well. They were on their front foot and we were on our heels.”
The second half didn’t start any better as Clover scored 32 seconds into play on a trick shot from Andy Young off his back foot past the Falcons keeper.
Luck for Nation Ford finally came their way at the 52nd minute when Griffin Duncan was able to sneak one past the Clover keeper.
Once they were able to crack the scoreboard, the Falcons became more aggressive and tied to win 50/50 balls and push the pace for another score.
Clover recognized the urgency from Nation Ford and was able to clamp down defensively.
Both teams traded possession and shot attempts but neither were able to add to their tally.
The loss for Nation Ford puts their final record at 16-7 on the season.
May 5 Roundup
Catawba Ridge
The Catawba Ridge baseball team at home against Greenville lost 2-1. Greenville scored two runs in the top of the first inning and that was all the offense they needed for the win. Catawba Ridge got just three hits in the game as Jackson Mullen led at the plate going 2-3. The loss drops the Copperheads to 22-6 on the season. Catawba Ridge will play the winner of Riverside and South Aiken Wednesday, May 10 in an elimination game.
The Catawba Ridge softball team won at home against Greenwood 12-1 to advance to the District championship next Saturday, May 13. Braylon Lawrence hit a solo home run as the Copperheads scattered 13 hits. Kendra Murray went 4-5 with three RBIs. Chloe Burger pitched a complete game and allowed three hits while walking two and striking out 10. Catawba Ridge improves to 21-3 overall on the season.
Nation Ford
The Nation Ford softball team on the road at TL Hanna fought hard but were eliminated from the playoffs with a 6-5 loss. The Falcons scored four runs in the final three innings to put up a rally, but fell short. Ava Scheier led at the plate going 2-4 with an RBI. Rachel Studer went 2-2 with an RBI as well. Nation Ford finished the season at 8-11 overall.
Fort Mill
The Fort Mill softball team on the road at Byrnes fell 10-0 in six innings. Fort Mill got just two hits as Mary Dober and Elise Nordgren each got a hit for the Jackets. The loss drops Fort Mill to 13-8 overall on the year and puts them in an elimination game Monday, May 8 against Hillcrest.
Mac Banks: mac@fortmillprepsports.com, @fortprep
