By Duncan Nixon
Correspondent
Thanks to soccer legend Pele, soccer is often referred to as “the beautiful game.” The phrase probably come from goals scored due to wonderful pass work by the offence. Even though soccer is the most popular game worldwide, it has never caught on in the United States. Few sports fans know the names of the players on the U.S. men’s Olympic soccer team. In many other countries, every player on the national team is a celebrity. There are many reasons the sport is not followed by a host of fans in the US. A definite factor is the lack of scoring. In baseball, a 1-0 score is rare, but the fans know they have watched a serious pitcher’s duel. In football, a shutout is an extremely rare occurrence. In basketball, scoring is king. Many fans cite lacrosse as a more exciting game than soccer as scores like 9-8 are common. In soccer, a score like that would be unheard of.
In soccer, a 1-0 final score is quite common. Games with a low final score can be very entertaining, as every possession is tense. This was the case in the Fluco-Goochland game.
There was tension throughout the second half in the Flucos’ win at home on April 18. Early in the first half, both teams moved the ball well but generated only a few serious scoring chances. The Flucos did appear to be the dominant team, but the Bulldogs held them off for 34 minutes. With six minutes left in the half, the Flucos, scored, the first, and what would turn out to be, the only goal.
While it may not have been a “beautiful” goal, it was a well-played one. Junior forward Tayvin Cook lofted a cross that went to the left side of the goal, but it was a little long. From a crowd of players, sophomore forward Sean Southall manage to get a foot on the ball sending it back into the center, right in front of the net. Sophomore midfielder Cole Barth was there to fire the ball in from point blank range.
In the second half, the Bulldogs were able to up their game and they had more scoring chances than the Flucos, but they were unable to beat the Fluco defense led by sophomore defender Brady Crisp and sophomore goaltender Brennan Chiovaro. After the game, Coach Jason Davis touted Crisp as one of the top defenders in central Virginia. Chiovaro was also strong, making a leaping save to deflect a Bulldog shot over the goal. Another Bulldog shot hit the crossbar but did not go in.
After the game, Davis lauded the play of Noah Jones, a senior midfielder. Jones was all over the field, controlling play for the Flucos. Jones is a senior and the captain. Davis says he has been an effective team leader throughout the season. The Fluco are now 3-3-1, with some serious teams still to play.
On Aprill 22, they traveled to Monticello High and on April 25 they will be at Charlottesville High. On April 29, they will host a strong Albemarle High team. On May 2, they travel to Western Albemarle. On May2 they travel to Western Albemarle. On May 6 they host Orange County.
