Big matchups that could play a huge factor in the soccer season’s final standings took place all over Lexington County last week. 

Many of the area’s top teams competed in crucial contests, and the winner took an edge as the season began to wind down. 

Gray Collegiate versus Brookland-Cayce and Swansea’s game versus Newberry were just some of the games featured last week. Both of those contests featured their region’s first and second-place teams. 

The War Eagles and Bearcats began last week with one region loss apiece. Gray defeated Brookland-Cayce in a 2-0 shutout after goals from Noah Mitchell and Will Webber. Joey Sullivan had a good game in goal stopping every shot that came his way. 

The meeting between the teams was the first of two, so losing isn’t all doom. However, it does put Brookland-Cayce at a disadvantage and makes game two a likely must-win.

Gray’s win was another in a string of recent successes. The War Eagles have adapted well in their first season playing 4A ball and have won 10 games in a row entering this week. The team added wins over Woodland and Fort Dorchester at the end of last week. 

During the 10-game win streak, Gray has forced seven shutouts and has had six games scoring at least four goals. 

Swansea clinched its region title for the second-straight year after beating Newberry. The win gave the Tigers a two-game advantage over Newberry, with just one region game left on the schedule. 

The Tigers close the season with a region game against Keenan and non-region games against Lexington, Dutch Fork, Blythewood, Powdersville, and Edisto. Swansea will try and advance further in the playoffs this year after being upset in the second round last season. 

Swansea and Newberry’s game on the girls' side was also significant to the standings, despite not being a meeting between the top two teams. 

The Tigers are second in the region, sitting a game behind Fox Creek. Swansea’s win kept the team over Newberry in the standings and kept the team in contention for first place. 

Swansea and Fox Creek have played one of their two games already this season, and Fox Creek won. The second meeting will have to go Swansea’s way if they want any chance to win the region. 

While last week was a big one, this week will also feature some exciting and consequential contests. 

There were three games between top-two teams early this week after the Chronicle’s press deadline. 

Chapin and River Bluff have the top teams in both the girls and boys standings. Before their meeting this week, Chapin sat on top of the boys standings and River Bluff the girls.  

The Eagle boys will cinch the region with a win, but the girls title race can go either way, despite who wins. 

Outside of the county’s 5A conference, Gray Collegiate and Gilbert’s girls played a crucial game. Gray began this week undefeated, not just in their region but overall. Gilbert has as good a shot as any to challenge the War Eagles, with an impressive record themselves. 

With a few weeks left to go, many teams will end the season playing a combination of region and non-region games. Teams will gradually lock themselves in their final standings spot and begin making postseason preparations.

Big Performances 

Adair Duque scored four goals in the Gilbert boys’ win over Airport. 

Brooke Ogorek had three goals and an assist in River Bluff’s win against White Knoll. 

Bailey Lancaster finished with three goals and an assist as the Gray  Collegiate girls beat Brookland-Cayce 9-0. 

Lila Bowers finished with six points after recording two goals and two assists in Chapin’s victory over Dutch Fork. 

Juel Rivers scored twice as the Swansea boys took down Fox Creek 6-0. 

Max Werner had two goals for the Dutch Fork boys in the team’s win against White Knoll. 

Upcoming games to watch 

Boys

Dutch Fork vs. River Bluff - April 11

Swansea at Powdersville - April 11

Brookland-Cayce vs. Saluda - April 14

Gray Collegiate vs. Legion Collegiate - April 15

Girls

American leadership vs. Batesburg-Leesville - April 10

Brrokland-Cayce vs. Gilbert - April 10

River Bluff vs. Dutch Fork - April 11

Gray Collegiate vs. Nation Ford - April 14