Stratford High School’s boys soccer team will miss out on one of its primary season goals, but has a golden opportunity to snag the most important one in the bigger picture.
If it can get past Berkeley (Friday, April 19) and Goose Creek (Tuesday, April 23) in its final two regular season games, Stratford will finish as co-Region 6-5A champion with Wando High School for the third straight season. However, the Knights would take the No. 1 seed for the Class 5A playoffs due to goal-differential in splitting with the Warriors, which sets up Stratford for a longer postseason run.
“We really wanted to win the title outright this season, but we’re in the driver’s seat for the No. 1 seed,” said Stratford coach Jessie Stament after the Knights’ shootout loss to Wando Monday, April 15, in Mount Pleasant. “That gives you at least one additional home game for the playoffs. Credit to Wando for the way they played.”
After a scoreless regulation, each team found the back of the net in overtime. The Warriors then performed better in the shootout to even the series at 1-1 this spring.
Wando capped region play with a 7-1 mark.
Jackson McNeil booted in Stratford’s goal in overtime. It was his team-high 13th goal of the season.
“It really was an epic battle,” Stament said. “Both teams' crowds were into it. You could feel the energy. I’m proud of the boys for how they fought.”
Stratford won the first matchup versus Wando 3-0 in March.
The Berkeley match is senior night for 10 Stratford players, including at least six moving on to play a sport in college.
“These guys know as we get to the end we need to play our best game,” Stament said. “They understand what is at stake.”
Goose Creek boys 1
Berkeley 0
Goose Creek's boys soccer team improved to 7-9 overall and 3-4 in Region 6-5A play Tuesday, April 16, with a 1-0 victory over Berkeley.
The Gators also dropped Cane Bay, 2-1, Tuesday, April 9, in their previous league contest.
Cane Bay girls 3
Goose Creek 1
Cane Bay's girls soccer team edged Goose Creek in a Region 6-5A match Tuesday, April 16, at home.
Claire Orth, Eiliyah Tomes and Ariana Jackson tallied goals for the Cobras (9-7, 5-2 region).
Goose Creek dropped to 8-7-1 overall and 3-4 in the league.
