STATE FINALS: #1 Ev. Memorial 1, #16 Chesterton 0

INDIANAPOLIS - Soccer is a subtle game. It is a sport where statistics tell you very little. You see, there is a difference between ball possession and dangerous possession. There is a difference between shots on goal and threatening shots on goal.

As a result, it is often difficult to really know who is controlling a game. That was the case for much of the evening Oct. 27 in the boys soccer state championship game at Kuntz Stadium between top-ranked Evansville Memorial and No. 16 Chesterton.

Both teams were content to play an up-and-down style for much of the game, and the ball spent much of the time in the air. As is often the case, it was a lightning strike early in the second half that gave Memorial a 1-0 victory.

The win did more than simply give the Tigers their first state championship. It also concluded an undefeated season and assured them of the No. 1 national ranking in high school soccer - not a bad day's work.

For much of the evening, it looked as if this would be the result. As the first half progressed, more and more of the time was being spent in the Chesterton half of the field. Memorial seemed to have by far the more direct style of attack, however, and the Tigers were slowly establishing control.

Despite outshooting the Trojans 14-2 during the opening half, however, they mounted few serious scoring threats. At intermission, it was still a scoreless game.

In the early minutes of the second half, it appeared Chesterton had made some strong adjustments. Now much of the game was being played in front of the Memorial net.

Then came the lightning strike.

On one of Memorial's few second-half runs into Chesterton territory, the Trojans were called for a penalty. The result was a great cross in front of the net and a header by Austin King that gave the Tigers all the lead they would need.

Memorial quickly shifted into defensive mode, and it worked. Chesterton had but one legitimate scoring chance in the last five minutes of the game, and it was deflected harmlessly away.

The Tigers had advanced to the final by defeating unranked Goshen, 2-0, in one morning semifinal. Chesterton, meanwhile, was forced to go the maximum distance in downing seventh-ranked North Central (Indianapolis) on penalty kicks, 6-5, after a scoreless regulation and two overtimes.

It was a gratifying championship win for Evansville Memorial for many reasons, not the least of which is this was the third consecutive trip to the Final Four for this legendary program. This time the Tigers went home with the hardware - and a whole lot more.

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