Athens vs Chillicothe, October 24, 4;00 pm

[pkp76]

Promises to be a great match. I feel sure that Chillicothe is on top of their game based on watching results. As for Athens, the team should be at full strength following some mid-season challenges and adjustments.

Should be a hard fought defensive match with a score along the lines of 2-1. Question is, who will prevail?

[jcbigblue]

Chillicothe 4 Athens 1

[pkp76]

I'm with you on the "1" for Athens. Sounds realistic. But "4" for Chillicothe? I'm not so sure. I realize Chillicothe has a precision shooter who is a constant threat but the Athens keeper will be back in goal, the sweeper is returned and looking sharp and both senior defensive wings have been extremely solid throughout the year (and in past years). 4 goals may be a tall order for any team at this stage of the year in games among the better southeastern Ohio teams.

[preps_fan1980]

i agree 4 is a little much. but i will have to give the nod to chillicothe 2-1 who knows though, this game could come down to a shootout. it'll be a good one i bet.

[soccerfanatic]

Appears that the sweeper for Athens might not be back as previously thought.

[SEsportsBA]

Athens' defense will have a hard time handling chili with their sweeper out

[cave canem]

That's a tough break for Athens.
He was a solid sweeper.

[pkp76]

Either way, trust Athens to put a strong defense on the field to resist Chillicothe's considerable fire power. Chilly will come out throwing flames no matter who the Athens sweeper may be. But expect a low scoring match with much of the outcome decided in the midfield. As always, the question is can Athens score?

Biased prediction, Athens 2, Chillicothe 1.

[jumphigh]

Chilli 3
Athens 0

One of athens goals was a pk and the defense has gelled into a solid unit since the marietta loss

[buckledownD]

Is it true that both referees were chilicothe ulumni?

[Bucknuts]

IDK, I can ask....

The officials surely didn't decide this game. They did not make any call that were "game changers".

It was a hard fought game by both teams. Athens did not have very many quality scoring chances and Chillicothe had most of the possession. The 2-0 score was appropriate.

Athens "D" was as tough as usual. Athens always plays hard and gives 110%, a credit to their players and coach.

Hats off to Athens team and especially their seniors..... they had a great season.

[soccerfanatic]

I was told that at least one of the refs was an alumnus of Chillicothe... but in small town Ohio, most of your refs are going to have ties to the local communities in which they're refereeing. That's part of life.

The refs didn't have a particularly good game (Chillicothe had a lion share of the calls in the first half, then Athens began to get more calls in their favor in the second half). However, I have to agree with Bucknuts... it didn't decide the game. The better team won, regardless of the calls.

Chillicothe had the momentum and pressure on Athens in the first half and Chillicothe failed to finish off some of their easier chances. Athens came out and played stronger in the second half and it was much more even. I will also have to agree with Bucknuts on the idea that Athens didn't have a ton of scoring opportunities... but there were a few key misses in front of goal on headers (including a missed header in the first two minutes of the second half), some scrambles in the box on set plays, and one shot from the left wing that grazed the outside of the far post. I felt the second half was more of a contest with Athens playing harder and Chillicothe was a bit flat. Chillicothe even had to bang the ball down field repeatedly for a short bit in the middle of the second half. Since Chillicothe had the lead though, they could afford to do this and Athens put more pressure on Chilli's D, but didn't put many clear chances together.

As an observation on Chillicothe (again, I believe the better team won, and I wish them luck, so this isn't sour grapes) there are a few areas of concern for the Cavs. They seem to struggle on free kicks and set pieces in general. Athens simply failed to capitalize on this. If they don't tighten this up some, they could get hurt against a team like Marietta, who is extremely strong on free kicks. I was also surprised at the lack of pressure Chillicothe put on the Athens keeper with their own free kicks. Basil is really good at winning free kicks, but a majority of the shots banged off the wall or harmlessly dribbled into the keeper's hands. Maybe they were just off yesterday though.

Good luck to Chillicothe. I think if they fix a few issues on D and finish off the easy chances early, they could finally break their cycle of underachieving in the district with a championship. This could be their year. Of course, I think when it comes down to it, Marietta will have something to say about that as well. No offense to FU and Zane Trace, but the two teams in the final should be Chillicothe and Marietta. Those two have been a step above this year.

Congrats to the Athens seniors. You went 25-7-7 in your junior and senior years combined and brought home Athens' fifth district championship of the decade last year and got back the Challenge Cup from Alexander this year. You should be proud of what you've accomplished. I'm proud of you guys and proud of how you guys kept fighting this year through the injuries, sickness, and other issues. Be proud and good luck in your future endeavors.

[Bucknuts]

Good breakdown of the game.... good post.

Basil has been nursing a sore thigh..... an overuse issue from being a two-sport athlete. Not something that is advertised a whole lot, but it is nothing serious.When he is up top Chillicothe plays much differently offensively. When Basil drops back into midfield or on defense as midway through the second half Chillicothe plays a little more long ball. (Many times Basil looking for Skowronek) As you said, Chillicothe could afford to do this a little more in the second half with the two goal cushion. Chillicothe didn't press up as much in the second half, played rather conservative.

Best of luck to the Athens seniors.... they have put together some impressive seasons.

[pkp76]

Great win for Chillicothe over a quality Athens team. The Athens seniors can be proud of returning Athens to a place of prominence in the region. Returning players can look forward to another promising year as you re-build the defense and take advantage of an enormous amount of varsity experience.

Agreed, expect a Marietta vs Chillicothe District final. Although from top to bottom Marietta may be the superior team, having the two best players on the field gives Chillicothe a potential scoring edge. The rivalries that have evolved between Marietta, Athens, Warren and Chillicothe are outstanding for the region. Added to local rivalries, it makes for an exciting schedule with many important games.

[Sports_Tracker]

Congrats to Chillicothe on the win. Good Luck Saturday!