Waterford, Morgan settle for draw

SANDY — Throughout America, so-called "sports fans" often malign soccer as boring and point to 0-0 draws as Exhibit A.

What these people fail to realize, however, is that the entertainment level of a soccer match (or lack thereof) is measured by the number of good scoring chances accumulated in the game — not necessarily the number of goals scored.

Yes, 0-0 matches are sometimes boring. But they can also provide plenty of entertainment and watchability, given the right circumstances. On the other hand, games that feature a fistful of goals can sometimes be nearly unwatchable.

Waterford's 0-0 draw with Morgan in nonregion action on Wednesday was a perfect example of this principle. Both teams played very good soccer and created a number of quality scoring chances. However, solid defensive play, good goalkeeping and plain bad luck prevented either side from taking any of those opportunities, and the game finished tied following two overtimes.

With the opening round of the 3A playoffs just 13 days away, it was the type of contest both coaches were expecting and hoping for, considering both of them appear to have teams capable of making noise in the postseason.

"This was going to be 80 minutes of good soccer, what turned out to be a 100 (minutes)," said Waterford coach Bob Capener. " . . . We're preparing for the playoffs, and this is good for us."

The first overtime produced the best chances for both squads. Morgan forward Jared Olsen had a pair of great chances but was denied by Waterford goalie Jason Parkin. At the other end, Waterford's Eric D'Astous and Matt Ward were stoned by Morgan reserve goalkeeper John Haws.

All in all, Waterford's defensive unit, comprised of sweeper Taylor Rasmussen, Drew Rasmussen and Curtis Jefferson, turned in a solid performance for the Ravens.

"I wanna give some credit to the Rasmussen brothers," said Capener.

Morgan's defense, which played without star sweeper Jacob Batchelor because of a red-card suspension, also played well. Ben Poll and Trevor Siebert anchored the Trojans' defense, and coach Josh Burton was pleased with both of them.

Because of their solid play, Burton said he's considering moving Batchelor into a defensive midfield position when he returns, alongside Jacob Bagley, who would slot into an attacking midfield spot. Those moves would then allow Burton to place Zac Cardon along the forward line.

In other prep soccer games Wednesday: