Cucuy FC - TBA SC 8:0 (4:0)
Wow, this was pretty cold. Wind chill brought it down to about 30 or so. TBA was 2 people short so really was not much of game. With a full squad I thing it would have been close but as is they did not have a chance. Nice goal first half from Isiah after a pass from Karol, put the ball in the left upper ninety, made everybody feel nice and toasty. Also great save from CNate, everyone saw that one going in. Second half we gave them our sub, but TBA felt it was better to keep playing with 9 so one of them got a red. You call the ref a bitch, you get a red, nothing new really. Then CNate, now playing D, felt like another hand ball in the box, to give Rey something to do, but TBA missed it. See you all after the break!
Goals: Eddy (4), Karol (3), Isiah
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Monday, December 15, 2008
Cucuy Finishes Season With a Win
International Old Boys - Cucuy FC 0:4 (0:1)
On a perfect day for soccer we closed out the season with a match against the International Old Boys on the "Acker" in Bulverde. This field doesn't really lend itself to a passing game, but I guess we made the best of it. It did help the Old Boys's game of kick and rush, but our win was not in any real danger throughout the game. We dominated first half but could not score until Karol's 20 yard free kick goal, a true "Sonntagsschuss". Wow! The free kick came as the result of one of many fouls from the Old boys, some of them pretty late. Cary got taken out badly at least three times, which did not stop him from scoring twice. Although the Old Boys were playing pretty rough, at least they were not complainers, so we give them that.
Second half the Old Boys had several good chances but either Jason, Brent, or Cory had a foot or hand in there at the last second. The goal from Brent was the icing on the cake, free-kick from Karol (after a foul on... Cary) and a picture-header from Brent into the long corner. Gus also had a bunch of good chances and if not for the Old Boys excellent keeper the score would have been much higher.
Thanks to Cory for the chilled beverages and to Nathan F. for the come-back. Looks like the soccer camp in Germany is paying off!
Goals: Brent, Cary (2), Karol
MVP: Karol
Yellow Cards for requesting a sub: Karol
On a perfect day for soccer we closed out the season with a match against the International Old Boys on the "Acker" in Bulverde. This field doesn't really lend itself to a passing game, but I guess we made the best of it. It did help the Old Boys's game of kick and rush, but our win was not in any real danger throughout the game. We dominated first half but could not score until Karol's 20 yard free kick goal, a true "Sonntagsschuss". Wow! The free kick came as the result of one of many fouls from the Old boys, some of them pretty late. Cary got taken out badly at least three times, which did not stop him from scoring twice. Although the Old Boys were playing pretty rough, at least they were not complainers, so we give them that.
Second half the Old Boys had several good chances but either Jason, Brent, or Cory had a foot or hand in there at the last second. The goal from Brent was the icing on the cake, free-kick from Karol (after a foul on... Cary) and a picture-header from Brent into the long corner. Gus also had a bunch of good chances and if not for the Old Boys excellent keeper the score would have been much higher.
Thanks to Cory for the chilled beverages and to Nathan F. for the come-back. Looks like the soccer camp in Germany is paying off!
Goals: Brent, Cary (2), Karol
MVP: Karol
Yellow Cards for requesting a sub: Karol
Monday, December 8, 2008
Cucuy Unbeaten Streak Comes to an End
Mercenary FC - Cucuy FC 4:0 (3:0)
A whole bunch of streaks came to an end in this one: Our 8 games unbeaten streak, Cary's 3 games in row with scoring a goal or more, and Cnate's whole season without any accidental hand ball causing unjustly awarded penalty kicks. (Well, this game was the one to do it since it really didn't make a difference.)
Mercenary was pretty fast with lot's of skill but for the most part the game was pretty open. Main difference was efficiency: Mercenary scored almost on every good chance they had while we couldn't get it on target at all. There was also some trouble with our passing game, definitely one of the worse ones I've seen us play. On the brighter side, this game was also Karl's first game since he got injured 7 months ago. Welcome back!
Goals: Ausser Spesen nix gewesen.
MVP: Dan
A whole bunch of streaks came to an end in this one: Our 8 games unbeaten streak, Cary's 3 games in row with scoring a goal or more, and Cnate's whole season without any accidental hand ball causing unjustly awarded penalty kicks. (Well, this game was the one to do it since it really didn't make a difference.)
Mercenary was pretty fast with lot's of skill but for the most part the game was pretty open. Main difference was efficiency: Mercenary scored almost on every good chance they had while we couldn't get it on target at all. There was also some trouble with our passing game, definitely one of the worse ones I've seen us play. On the brighter side, this game was also Karl's first game since he got injured 7 months ago. Welcome back!
Goals: Ausser Spesen nix gewesen.
MVP: Dan
Monday, November 24, 2008
Fading Stars No Match in Second Half
Cucuy FC - Fading Stars 5:0 (0:0)
Missed a bunch of chances in first half. Thanks to Cary-goal-machine we scored a couple quick ones in second and the Fading Stars kind of gave up. Hats off to their goalie who had a bunch of amazing saves. Cory had a very uneventful game, saved the one shot that was dangerous with no problem. Other events: Birke launched one on goal, I think from our half, but didn't quite make it.
Goals: Cary-goal-machine (2), Gus, Isiah, Edgar
MVP: Scotty
Most graceful dive: Ryan
Missed a bunch of chances in first half. Thanks to Cary-goal-machine we scored a couple quick ones in second and the Fading Stars kind of gave up. Hats off to their goalie who had a bunch of amazing saves. Cory had a very uneventful game, saved the one shot that was dangerous with no problem. Other events: Birke launched one on goal, I think from our half, but didn't quite make it.
Goals: Cary-goal-machine (2), Gus, Isiah, Edgar
MVP: Scotty
Most graceful dive: Ryan
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Brent's Last Minute Finish Saves the Tie
Chelsea FC - Cucuy FC 3:3 (2:1)
Nice job guys! It's a tie that feels like a win. Thanks to Cary for trekking down from Austin, to Karol for running only the half-marathon, and to Cory for the Getraenke. Which also answers the question who's still buying Naughty Light. Dan, we need the Lonestar back!
Before I forget, Cory announced he will be losing 30 (thirty) pounds, "not by next season but by summer 09." Any bets?
Goals: Karol, Cary, Brent
MVP: Brent
Nice job guys! It's a tie that feels like a win. Thanks to Cary for trekking down from Austin, to Karol for running only the half-marathon, and to Cory for the Getraenke. Which also answers the question who's still buying Naughty Light. Dan, we need the Lonestar back!
Before I forget, Cory announced he will be losing 30 (thirty) pounds, "not by next season but by summer 09." Any bets?
Goals: Karol, Cary, Brent
MVP: Brent
Monday, November 10, 2008
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Cucuy hangs on to 1:0 win.
Caracole FC - Cucuy FC 0:1 (0:0)
Wow, nice job pulling of this one with only 10 players. Caracoles had plenty of chances, but thanks to Birke (sweeping) and Jason (saving shots on the goal line) we held on to the win. Dave scored the game winner off a nice run picking up a pass from midfield and taking it around the keeper. Chris M. playing for Caracoles should have tied it second half but couldn't get it past Cory.
Goal and MVP: Dave
Wow, nice job pulling of this one with only 10 players. Caracoles had plenty of chances, but thanks to Birke (sweeping) and Jason (saving shots on the goal line) we held on to the win. Dave scored the game winner off a nice run picking up a pass from midfield and taking it around the keeper. Chris M. playing for Caracoles should have tied it second half but couldn't get it past Cory.
Goal and MVP: Dave
Monday, October 20, 2008
Cucuy beats Real Azteca
Real Azteca, Jr. - Cucuy FC 2:4 (1:2)
Thanks to Dan for the refreshments after the game! Sie schmecken fantastisch!
Goals: Cary (2), Dave, Eddy
MVP: Jason
Thanks to Dan for the refreshments after the game! Sie schmecken fantastisch!
Goals: Cary (2), Dave, Eddy
MVP: Jason
Monday, October 6, 2008
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Cucuy Stops Blitzkrieg
Blitzkrieg - Cucuy FC 1:2 (0:1)
In a tough but very fair game we came out as the winner in the end. Our defense with Brent and Jason in the middle and CNate and Ryan on the sides showed another great performance. Vishy, our new keeper had to show his skill only a few times in the first half. Our first goal came off a pass from Eddy on the left straight into the goal area where Rahul gave the ball just enough of a touch to make it bounce off a defender into the far corner of the goal. Karol almost scored the second goal with a nice free-kick that went against the right upper ninety.
In second half, Blitzkrieg picked up the pace and started to put more pressure on us. It helped a lot to have two subs, so thanks a lot to Paul for helping out! Cary then shot goal Nummer zwei, a nice straight shot from about 22 yards out into the upper right corner. Blitzkrieg's keeper, who saved a bunch of good shots, had his hands on this one too, but couldn't keep it from going in. Shortly after that Blitzkrieg scored their only goal after an attack over our left defense. Vishy in goal didn't have a chance against this one, and for some reason I think it was all Ryan's fault. The goal gave Blitzkrieg new hope but in the end they could not score again.
Goals: Rahul (Eddy), Cary
In a tough but very fair game we came out as the winner in the end. Our defense with Brent and Jason in the middle and CNate and Ryan on the sides showed another great performance. Vishy, our new keeper had to show his skill only a few times in the first half. Our first goal came off a pass from Eddy on the left straight into the goal area where Rahul gave the ball just enough of a touch to make it bounce off a defender into the far corner of the goal. Karol almost scored the second goal with a nice free-kick that went against the right upper ninety.
In second half, Blitzkrieg picked up the pace and started to put more pressure on us. It helped a lot to have two subs, so thanks a lot to Paul for helping out! Cary then shot goal Nummer zwei, a nice straight shot from about 22 yards out into the upper right corner. Blitzkrieg's keeper, who saved a bunch of good shots, had his hands on this one too, but couldn't keep it from going in. Shortly after that Blitzkrieg scored their only goal after an attack over our left defense. Vishy in goal didn't have a chance against this one, and for some reason I think it was all Ryan's fault. The goal gave Blitzkrieg new hope but in the end they could not score again.
Goals: Rahul (Eddy), Cary
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Cucuy Winning Streak Continues
Cucuy FC - Soccer Guru 2 8:0 (5:0)
Cary played like God once again. That kid just can’t ‘not’ score…
The goal of the game goes to Rahul (1st one). It was a beauty. Long cross from right delivered by Karol and finished off by Rahul with a class one diving header.
Goals: Rahul (Karol), Cary (Karol), Rahul, Cary (Isaiah), Cary (Karol), Cary (Karol), Karol (Cary), Karol
Cary played like God once again. That kid just can’t ‘not’ score…
The goal of the game goes to Rahul (1st one). It was a beauty. Long cross from right delivered by Karol and finished off by Rahul with a class one diving header.
Goals: Rahul (Karol), Cary (Karol), Rahul, Cary (Isaiah), Cary (Karol), Cary (Karol), Karol (Cary), Karol
Monday, April 28, 2008
Cary and New Shoes Prove Deadly Combination
Rayados - Cucuy FC 2:6 (1:2)
Thanks to Cary's decision to buy new shoes instead of new tires, this game was over before it began. We started with two men down and played against the wind so I guess it was a bit lucky that Cary's first two touches were both goals. The goals kind of woke up Rayados out of their contemplation ("WHO's Desk and Patios, gdammit?") who then pretty much controlled the rest of the first half. Cheered on by Ryan's support ("Use your FISTS!") CNate in goal had several great saves, including one heroic save after an irresponsible laser beam shot out of nowhere on or own goal by sweeper Brent. Unfortunately, the ref called an indirect on us, which Rayados buried in the back of our net. Ok, it was a good shot. For the rest of the first half, thanks to a hard working defense we kept them at 1:2 (Ryan: "That was the longest half ever!"). I was sort of tired too.
Second half, now with a full squad was a different story. Cary felt it was time for a hattrick so he scored his third after a really nice cross from Brent. With the wind in our back it was now our game, and after the 4:1, a long-distance shot about 25 yards out ("Sonntagsschuss!"), Rayados pretty much gave up. Or would have, if it wasn't for CNate, who very gentleman-like kept them in the game with another completely unfairly awarded penalty kick after a hand ball in the penalty box ("Hand ist wenn der Schiri pfeift.") Following the ref's frivolous and arbitrary display of power and the 4:2, we witnessed another episode of "The Cary Show," who more or less took the ball from the kick-off through the complete Rayados team, then passing it at last second to Steve for the 5:2. The last goal then was Cary again after a nice pass from Isaiah. Big thanks to Steve for helping out!
Goals: Cary (Ryan), Cary (Karol), Cary (Brent), Eddy, Steve (Cary), Cary (Isaiah)
Thanks to Cary's decision to buy new shoes instead of new tires, this game was over before it began. We started with two men down and played against the wind so I guess it was a bit lucky that Cary's first two touches were both goals. The goals kind of woke up Rayados out of their contemplation ("WHO's Desk and Patios, gdammit?") who then pretty much controlled the rest of the first half. Cheered on by Ryan's support ("Use your FISTS!") CNate in goal had several great saves, including one heroic save after an irresponsible laser beam shot out of nowhere on or own goal by sweeper Brent. Unfortunately, the ref called an indirect on us, which Rayados buried in the back of our net. Ok, it was a good shot. For the rest of the first half, thanks to a hard working defense we kept them at 1:2 (Ryan: "That was the longest half ever!"). I was sort of tired too.
Second half, now with a full squad was a different story. Cary felt it was time for a hattrick so he scored his third after a really nice cross from Brent. With the wind in our back it was now our game, and after the 4:1, a long-distance shot about 25 yards out ("Sonntagsschuss!"), Rayados pretty much gave up. Or would have, if it wasn't for CNate, who very gentleman-like kept them in the game with another completely unfairly awarded penalty kick after a hand ball in the penalty box ("Hand ist wenn der Schiri pfeift.") Following the ref's frivolous and arbitrary display of power and the 4:2, we witnessed another episode of "The Cary Show," who more or less took the ball from the kick-off through the complete Rayados team, then passing it at last second to Steve for the 5:2. The last goal then was Cary again after a nice pass from Isaiah. Big thanks to Steve for helping out!
Goals: Cary (Ryan), Cary (Karol), Cary (Brent), Eddy, Steve (Cary), Cary (Isaiah)
Monday, April 14, 2008
New Game Strategy Pays Off Against SA Dynamo
Cucuy FC - SA Dynamo 4:2 (2:1)
Games against Dynamo have been close in the past so we prepared diligently for this one. At the pre-game conference at Cory's, Karol gave a presentation on line-up and strategy. Tactics were discussed, evaluated, scrapped, and re-evaluated until late into the night, followed by a briefing by Cory on fitness an health. To sum it up in CNate's words: "A Volkswagen is a nice car, but you wouldn't want to pull a boat with it."
All the preparation paid off when we started the game with two men down, in a standard 4-4 formation with CNate in goal. A little later, Rahul showed up and closed up some of the space up front. He was in the middle of attention when he almost scored the 1:0, just to see the ball snatched away from him by the keeper. With everybody turning around to get ready for the goal kick, the keeper dropped the ball in front of Karol who put it in the net Luca Toni style for the 1:0. Then Cary showed up, just in time to win a header in front of Dynamo's goal that Rahul buried with a sliding drop kick in the back of the net. Dynamo had a lot less possession and got otherwise frustrated by our defense with Ryan, Brent, Jason, and Birke. Their only major chance was a free-kick about 20 yards out: A very nice shot towards the CNate's upper left that he barely got his hands on with an awesome save, unfortunately straight to a Dynamo player who headed it in for the 2:1. We had a couple more chances, including a missile from Jason out of half field and a very nice volley by Cary that the keeper was able to save, to everybody's (including his own) surprise.
Second half we had wind and sun on our side, so it was pretty much a one way game. Have seen few games where we scored so few goals with so many chances. In any case, Cary marked the 3:1 about half way second half. Dan commented, "The first low shot in the half is a score. Should that tell us something?" Towards the end it started to show that we played without subs. One run by a Dynamo striker was able to get past our defense and keeper Rey, who got a hand on the shot but could not prevent it from rolling towards the goal. Ryan, the scoring instinct taking over, buried it in the back of our goal. The goal gave new energy to Dynamo, who may have tied the game if we hadn't scored the 4:2. Kind of fitting for the way the game went, it was a beautiful combination in mid field that sent Karol off running by himself on the Dynamo keeper. Karol shot it passed the keeper into the far corner, only to see it bounce against the post, then against the leg of a Dynamo defender, and from there into goal. Overall the win was well deserved and could have been much higher.
This was Dan's last game this season. He is now off to study soccer tactics in Europe.
Goals: Karol 1 , Rahul 1 (Cary), Cary 1 (Karol)
Games against Dynamo have been close in the past so we prepared diligently for this one. At the pre-game conference at Cory's, Karol gave a presentation on line-up and strategy. Tactics were discussed, evaluated, scrapped, and re-evaluated until late into the night, followed by a briefing by Cory on fitness an health. To sum it up in CNate's words: "A Volkswagen is a nice car, but you wouldn't want to pull a boat with it."
All the preparation paid off when we started the game with two men down, in a standard 4-4 formation with CNate in goal. A little later, Rahul showed up and closed up some of the space up front. He was in the middle of attention when he almost scored the 1:0, just to see the ball snatched away from him by the keeper. With everybody turning around to get ready for the goal kick, the keeper dropped the ball in front of Karol who put it in the net Luca Toni style for the 1:0. Then Cary showed up, just in time to win a header in front of Dynamo's goal that Rahul buried with a sliding drop kick in the back of the net. Dynamo had a lot less possession and got otherwise frustrated by our defense with Ryan, Brent, Jason, and Birke. Their only major chance was a free-kick about 20 yards out: A very nice shot towards the CNate's upper left that he barely got his hands on with an awesome save, unfortunately straight to a Dynamo player who headed it in for the 2:1. We had a couple more chances, including a missile from Jason out of half field and a very nice volley by Cary that the keeper was able to save, to everybody's (including his own) surprise.
Second half we had wind and sun on our side, so it was pretty much a one way game. Have seen few games where we scored so few goals with so many chances. In any case, Cary marked the 3:1 about half way second half. Dan commented, "The first low shot in the half is a score. Should that tell us something?" Towards the end it started to show that we played without subs. One run by a Dynamo striker was able to get past our defense and keeper Rey, who got a hand on the shot but could not prevent it from rolling towards the goal. Ryan, the scoring instinct taking over, buried it in the back of our goal. The goal gave new energy to Dynamo, who may have tied the game if we hadn't scored the 4:2. Kind of fitting for the way the game went, it was a beautiful combination in mid field that sent Karol off running by himself on the Dynamo keeper. Karol shot it passed the keeper into the far corner, only to see it bounce against the post, then against the leg of a Dynamo defender, and from there into goal. Overall the win was well deserved and could have been much higher.
This was Dan's last game this season. He is now off to study soccer tactics in Europe.
Goals: Karol 1 , Rahul 1 (Cary), Cary 1 (Karol)
Monday, April 7, 2008
Win over Traditionals is Third in a Row
Traditionals - Cucuy FC 0:4 (0:2)
Doesn't get much better than this. Perfect weather, a slightly wet field that let's you slide tackle for 20 yards, and a 4:0 win.
We started out very strong, pounding the Traditionals with shot after shot but no score. With the wind on our side in first half the Traditionals barely made it out of their half, CNate in goal had a very relaxed morning. After about 20 minutes, our pressure on goal was rewarded with a score after a long, bouncy cross from Steve that seem to miss friend and foe but found me sliding in at the far post. After that we had some more major chances, a major one by Isiah and a nice shot by Steve that bounced off the post. With about 10 minutes left, Brent got fouled about 24 yards out to the left of the Traditional's goal. Karol took the free-kick, a nice shot at half height into the right corner for the 0:2, which was also the halftime score. After the break, the Traditionals put up a lot of pressure and got pretty close to scoring. Chris and Jason had to clear the ball several times at last second. A counter attack then brought the 0:3 with Steve running into position on the left, taking up a pass from Karol and slipping the ball past the keeper. That goal pretty much sealed it for us. Brent put the icing on the cake with a nice curved shot from about 20 yards out into the right corner after a (deliberate) pass from Dan. Brent had another nice header after a perfect cross from Isiah that did not find its way into the goal. Raul, who took over for Cnate in goal in second half, saved our third shut-out with a great save after a free-kick.
Kind of felt bad for Scotty, who seemed to get hit by everyone on our team.
Goals: Eddy 1 (Steve), Karol 1, Steve 1 (Karol), Brent 1 (Dan)
Doesn't get much better than this. Perfect weather, a slightly wet field that let's you slide tackle for 20 yards, and a 4:0 win.
We started out very strong, pounding the Traditionals with shot after shot but no score. With the wind on our side in first half the Traditionals barely made it out of their half, CNate in goal had a very relaxed morning. After about 20 minutes, our pressure on goal was rewarded with a score after a long, bouncy cross from Steve that seem to miss friend and foe but found me sliding in at the far post. After that we had some more major chances, a major one by Isiah and a nice shot by Steve that bounced off the post. With about 10 minutes left, Brent got fouled about 24 yards out to the left of the Traditional's goal. Karol took the free-kick, a nice shot at half height into the right corner for the 0:2, which was also the halftime score. After the break, the Traditionals put up a lot of pressure and got pretty close to scoring. Chris and Jason had to clear the ball several times at last second. A counter attack then brought the 0:3 with Steve running into position on the left, taking up a pass from Karol and slipping the ball past the keeper. That goal pretty much sealed it for us. Brent put the icing on the cake with a nice curved shot from about 20 yards out into the right corner after a (deliberate) pass from Dan. Brent had another nice header after a perfect cross from Isiah that did not find its way into the goal. Raul, who took over for Cnate in goal in second half, saved our third shut-out with a great save after a free-kick.
Kind of felt bad for Scotty, who seemed to get hit by everyone on our team.
Goals: Eddy 1 (Steve), Karol 1, Steve 1 (Karol), Brent 1 (Dan)
Monday, March 31, 2008
Detonator's Are a No-Show
Cucuy FC - Detonators (Forfeit)
Sunday's game was forfeited due to a no-show by the Detonators. Was it spontaneous combustion? We may never now for certain, but only one guy from the team showed up. Instead of a game we had a little scrimmage, which was fun.
Update on Carl: it was very bad, he will be out for the season. Hope you get well soon!
Sunday's game was forfeited due to a no-show by the Detonators. Was it spontaneous combustion? We may never now for certain, but only one guy from the team showed up. Instead of a game we had a little scrimmage, which was fun.
Update on Carl: it was very bad, he will be out for the season. Hope you get well soon!
Monday, March 17, 2008
Cucuy Out Hustle Aztecas For Second Season Win
Azteca FC - Cucuy FC 0:3
This Sunday we played the Azteca FC, rumored to be a first division team. Right from the start, it was clear this would be another close one. Azteca had good passing skills and a lot of speed, and put a lot of pressure on our midfield and defense. CNate in goal had to show of his skills several times to keep his team from falling behind. On one occasion he missed the ball but did manage to body-check the attacker, which should have been a penalty against us, but the ref did not call it. For the rest of the game, when skill was not on our side, luck definitely was.
The first goal happened after Carl out hustled an Azteca defender and won a ball back that was already lost. A quick pass to Eddy, who made a long cross behind the defense to Karol. The ball bounced right in front of Karol but he managed to lob it over the keeper storming out at him for the 0:1. We had some more chances to score but in summary Azteca had probably slightly better chances, including a nice distance shot that missed our upper ninety by about half an inch.
The second half we had to play without Karl who injured his knee, hopefully, it's not too bad. Azteca came out very strong and controlled the game for the first 15 minutes. They had three major chances they could not score on thanks to our defense that had a great day. At this point in the game it could have been 3:1 Aztecas if it wasn't for Freddy and Jason who both had another awesome game. While Aztecas were still wondering why it was still 0:1, Karol got the ball in midfield, saw Cary run into position on the right and passed it over to him. Cary was tightly marked but ran past his opponent towards the goal's short corner. When everybody (including the keeper) was expecting a pass into the middle, he took a shot right at the keeper who let the ball pass through his legs for the 0:2. After that, Aztecas let up on their pressure, and towards the end we were able to score even the 0:3, a nice shot from Chris on the right after a pass from Karol. The other highlight of the second half was Dan chirping at the ref until he finally gave in and gave him a yellow. It was great to see everybody play with so much effort and heart.
Goals: Karol 1 (Eddy), Cary 1 (Karol), Chris 1 (Karol)
This Sunday we played the Azteca FC, rumored to be a first division team. Right from the start, it was clear this would be another close one. Azteca had good passing skills and a lot of speed, and put a lot of pressure on our midfield and defense. CNate in goal had to show of his skills several times to keep his team from falling behind. On one occasion he missed the ball but did manage to body-check the attacker, which should have been a penalty against us, but the ref did not call it. For the rest of the game, when skill was not on our side, luck definitely was.
The first goal happened after Carl out hustled an Azteca defender and won a ball back that was already lost. A quick pass to Eddy, who made a long cross behind the defense to Karol. The ball bounced right in front of Karol but he managed to lob it over the keeper storming out at him for the 0:1. We had some more chances to score but in summary Azteca had probably slightly better chances, including a nice distance shot that missed our upper ninety by about half an inch.
The second half we had to play without Karl who injured his knee, hopefully, it's not too bad. Azteca came out very strong and controlled the game for the first 15 minutes. They had three major chances they could not score on thanks to our defense that had a great day. At this point in the game it could have been 3:1 Aztecas if it wasn't for Freddy and Jason who both had another awesome game. While Aztecas were still wondering why it was still 0:1, Karol got the ball in midfield, saw Cary run into position on the right and passed it over to him. Cary was tightly marked but ran past his opponent towards the goal's short corner. When everybody (including the keeper) was expecting a pass into the middle, he took a shot right at the keeper who let the ball pass through his legs for the 0:2. After that, Aztecas let up on their pressure, and towards the end we were able to score even the 0:3, a nice shot from Chris on the right after a pass from Karol. The other highlight of the second half was Dan chirping at the ref until he finally gave in and gave him a yellow. It was great to see everybody play with so much effort and heart.
Goals: Karol 1 (Eddy), Cary 1 (Karol), Chris 1 (Karol)
Monday, March 10, 2008
First Game of the Season is a Win
Cucuy FC - The Blades 1:0
The first game of the season was against the beloved Blades, a team known for outstanding fairness and sportsmanship. Surprisingly, given that we had a 9 o'clock game and a time change, we had a full squad and five subs at the start of the game. I took less than a minute until the first Blade started complaining about the refs calls, and so it would go until the end of the game. Except for the whining it was a pretty fair game though without major fouls. We were pressing for the first goal but could not get it into the net until about 20 minutes in the game, when Chris got fouled in the box. Brent took the penalty, but the keeper had a good day and made an amazing save. Soon later though, Brent scored the winning goal, a nice first-touch from about 4 yards, after a pass from Karol.
Second half we continued to press for the second goal and had many chances but no luck. Dan had a nice run on the keeper after a pass from Eddy that was only stopped at last second. Carl had two nice shots on goal that missed only by a few. Karol and Cary both had more chances but the keeper saved those as well. Our defense with Freddie and Jason did an outstanding job the whole game, and the Blades did only have one real chance after a corner that Carl swept off the line.
In the end it was well deserved win that should have been a lot higher. Respect to the ref who kept his cool in light of some very bad, even racist comments from some of the Blades.
Goals: Brent 1 (Karol)
The first game of the season was against the beloved Blades, a team known for outstanding fairness and sportsmanship. Surprisingly, given that we had a 9 o'clock game and a time change, we had a full squad and five subs at the start of the game. I took less than a minute until the first Blade started complaining about the refs calls, and so it would go until the end of the game. Except for the whining it was a pretty fair game though without major fouls. We were pressing for the first goal but could not get it into the net until about 20 minutes in the game, when Chris got fouled in the box. Brent took the penalty, but the keeper had a good day and made an amazing save. Soon later though, Brent scored the winning goal, a nice first-touch from about 4 yards, after a pass from Karol.
Second half we continued to press for the second goal and had many chances but no luck. Dan had a nice run on the keeper after a pass from Eddy that was only stopped at last second. Carl had two nice shots on goal that missed only by a few. Karol and Cary both had more chances but the keeper saved those as well. Our defense with Freddie and Jason did an outstanding job the whole game, and the Blades did only have one real chance after a corner that Carl swept off the line.
In the end it was well deserved win that should have been a lot higher. Respect to the ref who kept his cool in light of some very bad, even racist comments from some of the Blades.
Goals: Brent 1 (Karol)