Nation Ford ranked No. 3 heading into boys’ soccer playofs

Playoff-bound Nation Ford lost its final regular season boys’ soccer match 4-2 to Rock Hill Thursday.

The Falcons were down early in the opening minutes against the Bearcats and played catch-up the entire night. Nation Ford rallied to tie the game at 2-2 at the half, but Rock Hill scored two unanswered goals in the second half for the win.

It was only the second Region 3-4A loss for the Falcons.

Nation Ford, with a 17-3-0 record and ranked No. 3 in the state, opens the playoffs Tuesday at home against Greenville.

Clinched Region 3-4A

Nation Ford scored first in its first Region 3-4A loss this spring, suffered just over a month ago to Clover.

The Falcons again scored first last Tuesday night in their region title-deciding clash with the Blue Eagles. But then they scored a second, and a third, burying the visitors and all but wrapping up a championship.

“All year long we’ve had this date circled on the calendar,” said Nation Ford coach Jon Jarrett. “It’s unbelievable how this unfolded, an exact replica of last year.”

Clover won that game and the 2015 region championship last April. But the No. 3 Falcons quickly erased any hopes of a Blue Eagles repeat Tuesday. Will Martin scored twice in the first 20 minutes and Ben Tuipulotu tucked away a third before the break to all but put the game on ice. Kevin Garces tapped in a late fourth to start the celebrations early.

“I don’t think we were in this game from minute one,” said Clover coach Graham Stafford. “They clearly wanted it tonight. I think they out-fought us in every department.”

Turning point

Nation Ford stunned Clover in the first 18 minutes through Martin’s strikes. He scrambled in a rebound for the first after Michael Smith’s close-range shot in thr 10th minute, then coasted 50 yards unabated before cutting inside on his right and lashing past Clover keeper Austin Gunnels for a 2-0 Falcons lead midway through the first half.

Jarrett laughed at the thought of Martin’s screamer into the back of the net, especially since his midfielder had blasted one high and wide about 10 minutes earlier.

“He buried that one, just buried it,” said Jarrett. “Huge goal.”

Martin’s second and Tuipulotu’s well-taken third put out the Clover comeback fires before the sun had even gone down behind the stadium stands.

Critical

Nation Ford relished the physical portion of Tuesday’s match, the Falcons’ speed and physicality helping them bypass - or run through in Hank Tuipulotu’s case - the smaller, and in some instances, younger Blue Eagles. The difference showed in the second half especially when Clover coach Graham Stafford turned to some of his younger players, imploring them to impress him for playing time in next week’s state playoffs.

Nation Ford centerback Michael Smith epitomized his team’s tenacity, screaming “yes!” “yes!” every time his teammates won a tackle in any part of the field. No question the Falcons were up for it Tuesday on their home patch.

“When I’m around the guys they bring out another side in me,” said Smith, who is considerably calmer and quieter after the final whistle. “It’s been a fun year and I enjoy every moment with them.”

Star contributions

Smith was excellent marshaling the Falcons’ defensive attentions, stepping up at the right times and dropping in to cover balls over the top on other occasions.

“Michael is CNN because he’s 24-7, he never stops,” said Jarrett, dropping Smith’s nickname. “He’s got eight goals this year and is our third leading scorer as our centerback. If he doesn’t make all-state it’s a crime.”

Martin also had an outstanding first 20 minutes, producing a match-winning strike, and paired well in the center of the field with Brad Young, who controlled play and was also a strong tackler throughout.

Box score

Nation Ford 4, Clover 0

Nation Ford: Will Martin (10, 17), Ben Tuipulotu (29), Kevin Garces (77)

Records: Nation Ford 17-2, 10-1 Region 3-4A; Clover 14-6-1, 9-2

This story was originally published April 29, 2016 at 4:54 PM with the headline "Nation Ford ranked No. 3 heading into boys’ soccer playofs."