THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, August 20, 1996 TAG: 9608200552
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C7 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY REA FARMER, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: VIRGINIA BEACH LENGTH: 101 lines
Byron Mitchell looks relaxed.
Lining up defensively for the Hampton Roads Mariners, Mitchell knows his role. He eyes his man casually, sizing up the top threat each Select League team inadvertently throws his way. Moments later, he leaps into action, stalking the attacker. As the forward streaks toward the goal, Mitchell blocks his path. The forward fakes and turns. Mitchell blocks his path.
Week after week, Select League forwards face-off against Mitchell in a battle for the goal. Week after week, Mitchell leaves the field victorious. In 25 games this season, only one man marked by the defender has scored.
``I like my job,'' Mitchell said. ``If I shut the best player down on the other team, I've done my job.''
So far this season, there has been no question of Mitchell carrying his weight. He and defenders Chris Penny and Dave Schifrin have built a wall of defense that has proven impenetrable in the Select League playoffs. If a forward does get through, keeper Matt Olson is there to foil his attempt.
``We joke on the team that the defenders have to do the most work,'' Mitchell said. ``The forwards say they have to do the most work. It's equal as long as everybody does his work.''
Mitchell has been a mainstay on the shifting Mariners' defense. Tony Velkov started the season at sweeper before returning to his native Bulgaria. Nate Houser acted as sweeper, then Penny, then Jim McGeough. Now, Mitchell, Penny and Schifrin have developed a formidable line.
``It's been nice to stay in one position,'' Mitchell said. ``I do what I can to help the team. I try my hardest.''
His hardest has been stellar in the playoffs. Against South Carolina, Mitchell eliminated scoring threat Paul Young, who was unable to fire a scoring shot until the shootout. Carolina brought on Chugger Adair, who has 14 goals this season. None have come against Hampton Roads.
Adair and Mitchell rematch tonight at 7:30 at Old Dominion University as the Mariners and Dynamo play the second game in a home-and-away Select League playoff series. The two clashed two weeks ago with the Select League playoffs on the line. Although Carolina won the game, Adair was contained and frustrated into drawing a yellow card. Mitchell drew one as well.
Wednesday in Carolina, the two bumped and battled again. Once more, a frustrated Adair drew a yellow card. And scored no goals.
Tonight, Mitchell is looking for the same result.
``It'll be the same thing,'' Mitchell said. ``Just both of us playing hard. Poking each other, nipping at each others heels.''
Mitchell has been riding the heels of United Systems of Soccer Leagues' opponents for three years. The four-year starter at Old Dominion spent the summer honing his skills with Premier League, or amatuer, USISL teams. In his sophomore summer, he was recognized by the league for his defensive play with the Hampton Roads Hurricanes. As a junior, he intimidated foes of the Roanoke RiverDawgs. This year he returned to the improved Mariners.
``I think the skill level is a lot greater, especially from playing in Roanoke,'' Mitchell said. ``I feel it's more of a team now than then. That makes it more enjoyable.''
The pleasure could continue with a win tonight. Mitchell returns to his native field full of playoff hopes.
``I can't wait to get back on my home pitch,'' he said.
Playing at Old Dominion only adds to Mitchell's incentive. A native of California, he moved to Virginia Beach 15 years ago. After a prep career at Cape Henry Collegiate, Mitchell played for the Beach FC Under-19 team before going on to Old Dominion.
After his senior season, Mitchell was selected to the Virginia Sports Information Directors All-State first team. A few months later, he was completing the transition to the Select League level of play.
``It wasn't that bad,'' Mitchell said. ``The pace of the game was a lot quicker. I had to work at staying on my feet, not diving in. The guys are faster, so you have to make better decisions.''
Mitchell learned on his feet, making the transition look easy. Now, five months after rejoining the Mariners, he is on the verge of the Select Six finals.
``I'm very optimistic,'' he said of the Mariners' chances of victory. ``If we play well, we'll win. We usually have no problems. When we step on the field, we know we're going to win. It's a great feeling.'' ILLUSTRATION: HUY NGUYEN
The Virginian-Pilot
Hampton Roads defender Byron Mitchell, right, will have his hands
full again tonight marking Carolina forward Chugger Adair. The
Mariners and Dynamo play at 7:30 tonight at ODU.
HAMPTON ROADS at CAROLINA
Site: Old Dominion University
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $6 for adults, $5 for youth, active military and senior
citizens.
About the Dynamo: Carolina (18-7) will play without defender
David Moxom and leading scorer Yari Allnutt, who are both sitting
out red card suspensions, in the first game. If Carolina wins, the
two players are eligible for the ensuing 30-minute mini-game. The
Dynamo overcame a two-man disadvantage Saturday to push the Mariners
into overtime before suffering a 1-0 loss.
About the Mariners: Hampton Roads (19-6) is coming off an
emotional overtime win to carry a 1-0 advantage in the home-and-away
series. The Mariners have the advantage, having to win only one of
the two games. Byron Mitchell has shut down Carolina's second
threat, Chugger Adair, all season and could play a major role in
keeping the Dynamo in check tonight. by CNB