Sports game stories (or matches) should be about PEOPLE.
The more quotes from players and coaches, the better. And the more the player was key to the win (or loss) the more he or she MUST be in the story.
Also, think about context. Is there a trend or theme that is carried out in this match. That point should be mentioned in the lead or the game summary.
The top of your story should also include a GAME SUMMARY that describes the strengths and weaknesses of each team in this game. Include this summary before launching into an play-by-play description.
Here are the complete checklist:
- Final score.
- Names of teams, type of sport.
- Where and when game took place.
- Game summary: key plays and players.
- Strategies that affected outcome.
- Effect on game on standings, rankings, individual records.
- Scoring, but no need for play-by-play.
- Post-game comments from players first, and then coach, including insight on what this game means.
- Injuries.
- Statistics.
- Other relevant factors: crowd size or behavior, weather, who sat out and why, etc.