WILSON - Defense was the name of the game as two of the top boys soccer teams in the state, Broughton and Green Hope, squared off in the fourth annual Brittany Soccer Showcase and played to a scoreless tie.

A rematch of last year's 4-A Eastern Regional final produced a physical game with neither team backing down.

"I thought both teams played well considering this was only the third game of the season," Falcons coach Andrew Chadwick said.

Led by goalkeeper Alex Long, a University of South Carolina signee, Green Hope (2-0-1) has not allowed a goal this season.

"They're a talented squad," Broughton coach Izzy Hernandez said, "but the most important part of the season is yet to come for us."

The Falcons dominated possession of the ball in the second half but could not score.

Broughton, the two-time defending 4-A state champion, was led by strong defensive play from its keeper Scott Goodwin, who made several key plays to keep the game scoreless.

"Broughton is always a tough team," Chadwick said. "It's good to have a couple of hard-fought games early in the season like that."

Broughton's Goodwin and Green Hope's James Earl received sportsmanship awards.

The game was played as part of the Brittany Willis Memorial Showcase.

The event, which included 58 teams, continues today at the Burt Gillette Soccer Complex with 18 games.

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