Chris Imfeld’s O’Neal School record of 50 goals in one season still stands. He graduated in 1995 (the record was 18-6-0 that year), played four years on scholarship for the College of Charleston, and has recently signed a two-year contract with the Myrtle Beach SeaDawgs.

Imfeld’s high school credits included all-conference MVP, all-region first team, and all-state honors.

"Nobody’s come close (to Imfeld’s scoring record)" said O’Neal soccer coach George Mauser, "Although I would like to see it happen... To be honest, he could have doubled that. I had to bench him to keep him from running up the score (against weaker teams), which was not quite fair.

"With Chris, you worked tactically. His great skill was (taking on defenders) one on one. Of course occasionally, it became a cause of friction between us. He might beat the first guy, but the second or third guy might clobber him. I think he’s probably figured that out by now. He was just so competitive... Chris was the best one-on-one player to ever come through this program."

Imfeld led his college team to conference championships and the NCAA finals the first two years. Upgrading to the Southern Conference in 1997-’98, they faced teams like UNC and Indiana, "We didn’t do so well (in the tougher conference)," Imfeld said, "but it was a lot of fun."

Imfeld spent his four years of eligibility, but still had another semester to complete his bachelor’s degree in corporate communication. For the first time in his life, he was without a soccer team.

"One of the (Charleston) coaches called me up and asked if I was interested in playing (for Myrtle Beach)," Imfeld said, "they said they were always looking for new players. So I drove up, practiced with them a couple of days, and they offered me a contract.

"I’ve only played five games. We’re terrible! Actually, we’re not that bad, we’ve had some bad luck, lost games 2-1, 1-0, that kind of thing."

The SeaDawgs are in the United Soccer League, D-3 Conference, with two North Carolina opponents, the Charlotte Eagles and the Wilmington Hammerheads. Imfeld played outside midfielder for the first couple of games, but now is starting forward. Imfeld explained that the league is a stepping stone, and several of his teammates are moving up to the A-league.

Imfeld drives from Charleston to Myrtle Beach daily. "(Playing professionally) is definately harder," Imfeld said, "the higher you get, the more intense the practice sessions are. We don’t do any fitness training, they expect you to work out, weight lift, run, all on our own time. Practice sessions are ball work, small sided games, and scrimmages."

After graduation in December, Imfeld hopes to finalize plans for a European tour. He has already made contacts in Spain and England. A lot of doors could open for a 22-year old with a competitive attitude, a great striker foot, and a degree in communication.

"It’s really pretty exciting," Imfeld said.