ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Saturday, May 25, 1996 TAG: 9605280120
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JOHN A. MONTGOMERY STAFF WRITER
Michael Berry's glorious soccer career is winding down, but the William Byrd senior is making the most of his opportunities.
Berry scored a career-high five goals Friday night, propelling the Terriers to a 5-1 victory over Salem for the Region III championship played at Northside High School.
Byrd (15-3) hosts Region IV runner-up Virginia High on Tuesday in the Group AA tournament, while Salem travels to Blacksburg.
``This makes our seventh region championship in a row, and 10 out of 11,'' Byrd coach Jeff Highfill said. ``I actually thought we came out a little bit sluggish tonight, but we dominated the last 20 minutes of the first half.''
Berry appeared to be playing at full strength throughout. Recently named Region III's player of the year, Berry scored less than two minutes into the game, on an assist from Cory Hastings. He scored again, on a feed from Chris Dowdy, with 24:15 to play in the opening half, and added another goal 10 minutes later. Eric Martin was credited with the third assist.
Midway through the second half, Berry scored twice more - in a 90 second span - before Highfill pulled his starters. Highfill was waiting for a break in the game to insert his reserves when Berry scored his fifth goal.
``I probably scored five goals in a game some time in rec soccer,'' Berry said, ``but I don't ever remember doing it in high school.''
Was Friday night his best game ever? ``One of them,'' Berry said.
Salem's 12-5 record includes four losses to Byrd. The Spartans prevented a shutout when Eric Millard scored on a penalty kick with 7:23 remaining.
``It feels good to make it to the state,'' said Salem coach Walt Braine, ``but we're going to have to reduce our mistakes. We made some glaring errors in our defense.''
Berry beat Salem goalkeeper Jon McClure for his first three scores before Braine put Jud Cowling in the net. Cowling made several difficult saves, but Berry put two shots past Cowling as well.
Byrd outshot the Spartans 31-12, including 19-5 in the first half.
``They've got two or three good kids up front,'' Braine said, ``and if you don't mark them, you're in for some trouble.''
see microfilm for box score
LENGTH: Short : 47 linesby CNB