Missed chances cost Nation Ford in boys soccer playoffs

Despite chance after chance, the Nation Ford Falcons boys’ soccer team could not make it happen as they fell 2-0 to Wade Hampton in the third round of the 4A state playoffs.

Nation Ford fought off an onslaught from Wade Hampton, which had several good looks at the Falcons’ goal early on. The Generals were able to take the early advantage in possession, but Nation Ford shifted the momentum back to its favor.

Falcons keeper Cooper Morris was able to stop several early shot attempts, but Nation Ford didn’t look like its typically aggressive self and Wade Hampton capitalized with several turnovers. The Generals did a good job of keeping Nation Ford senior Kevin Garces in check through the first half of the game, usually double teaming him every time he touched the ball. Garces has been one of the Falcons’ dominant players heading into the match.

As the first half wore on, Nation Ford, ranked No. 3 in the state and among the top-20 in the nation, got more shot opportunities, but all missed the mark. The Falcons, after trying to be more aggressive, seemed to get good looks on crosses, but were continuously out-raced to the ball by the Generals’ defense.

In the second half, Nation Ford continued to have problems trying to establish any level of consistency. Wade Hampton’s quickness beat the Falcons back on breakaways and even when the Falcons had corner kick chances to score, the Generals’ defense crowded the box, keeping anything from filtering in.

On two consecutive possessions, Nation Ford had clear looks at the goal with Garces bouncing one shot off the top of the goal. With about eight minutes left, the Falcons had their best chance to score, but even with a nearly empty goal, couldn’t put the ball in.

Turning point

About eight minutes left, Wade Hampton senior Erich Wilklow scored his second goal of the game to put things out of reach for Nation Ford. That put the Falcons down 2-0 and caused any wind they had in their sails to diminish.

Critical

Wade Hampton made the most of their chances and finally cracked the Falcons’ defense to strike first and score, going up 1-0 with about 11 minutes left in the first half on a goal from Wilklow.

Overheard

Nation Ford head coach Jon Jarrett said he knew his team had their chances, but just didn’t have things go their way.

“We gave up a silly goal early,” he said. “We had between 25 and 30 shots. We really wanted to test this keeper. We had a ton of chances. But I am proud of the boys, they didn’t quit.”

Box score

Wade Hampton 2, Nation Ford 0

Scoring: Wade Hampton-Erich Wilklow (29), (72)

Records

Wade Hampton 20-5-0, Nation Ford 19-4-0

This story was originally published May 9, 2016 at 1:05 PM with the headline "Missed chances cost Nation Ford in boys soccer playoffs."