Deportivo Ends Winning Streak

Deportivo Toros - Cucuy FC 1:1 (1:1)

We had a tough time against these guys, and started off a bit nervously.  Within about 15 minutes, Nick had saved us twice on the goal line. After several missed chances, Deportivo got the first goal, a long shot that sunk down just behind Carl in goal. That was kind of the wake-up call, and we moved the ball up a lot better. Then we got a corner, and the ball came to CNate on the far right who didn't hesitate and crossed it back in to the far post. Hintzki, in between two players got the ball and headed it in for the tie, nicely done. But the cross wasn't too shabby either...

Second half the game was a little more even, but Deportivo definitely had more chances than us. Carl was still in goal, since he had not done a bad enough job to get out :) Andrew could have put us ahead, chasing down a ball half way down the field, dribbling around the keeper, but the angle got too difficult and he barely missed. In the end I think we could live very well with the tie.

Goal: Hintzki
MVP: Nick

Cucuy Beats 2A Champ

Atletico Peru FC - Cucuy FC 1:5 (0:3)

If there was one thing that I agreed with Kyle before the game it was that we wouldn't keep up our 5 goal for, 1 goal against average for this game. After all, Atletico Peru had the most wins/least losses, best goal differential in Division 2A (31:12) last season. So yes I was definitely wrong, but gladly :)

First half we had to work hard to create chances. Atletico played well in the center mid area but ran into a wall shortly in our half, where Karol and Hintzki set up our counter-attacks.  After some nice passing on the left, Javier broke through and scored the first goal. Then Pat converted for the 2:0 with a sliding volley after a perfect cross from the right. Atletico pushed for the 2:1 but our defense held them back. Then Javier scored again for the 3:0 with a shot in the far left corner after dancing around 2 or 3 defenders and somehow holding on to the ball. Ridiculous.

After that dagger to the heart from Javier, Atletico slowed down a bit in second half.  Javier was able to get his hattrick, and then Hintzki scored our fifth, a nice shot from the top of the box in the bottom right corner. There were several good chances for more, but 5 goals today was plenty in my view.  Atletico was able to get their goal as well but that's all they were able to manage today.

Goals: Javier (3), Pat, Hintzki
MVP: Javier

Division Champions and Most Awesome Season Ever!

Cucuy FC - Fort Sam Houston FC 5:1 (2:1)

Most wins in a season. Most goals scored in a season. Best goal differential by a landslide. If you're reading this please pause for a moment and pat yourself on the back. Yeah, it's been pretty incredible. If somebody had said we'd be averaging 5 goals a game this season I probably wouldn't have believed it. But the real surprise was: what's Karol doing there at the top of the list? After averaging 2 goals per season over the last two years, something apparently changed. New cleats? Or is it married life? Whatever it is, it's working.

About the game: 5:1 sounds like an easy win but it certainly was not.  Although we had a little more possession, FSH certainly gave us a game and would have scored more than once if it wasn't for our defense and of course Kyle in goal. Kyle although got a bit lucky using up two of his three per-game limit of risky plays in the first half.

Karol was fouled in the box and the ref gave a penalty, but then retracted his decision. Finally Javier put us ahead with a beautiful long shot from the right into the far left corner after a great setup from CNate. Then Cary took a shot from the right that a defender blocked with the hand, and Karol put the resulting penalty away for the 2:0. Shortly before half-time FSH came back with a header after a free-kick that left Kyle no chance.

Second half FSH opened with a lot of pressure, but Karol gave us a break with a free-kick on the right for the 3:1. The keeper had set the wall a little too far to the left, so Karol shot it around on the right side in the bottom right corner.  Following that were a couple of dirty and pretty unnecessary plays from FSH, a kick to the groin comes to my mind, and I hope Scotty is doing better after that knee to the back.  FSH certainly had not given up at this point, but when Todd scored a pretty amazing long distance shot for the 4:1 it was pretty much over. Just before the end Cary laid down the hammer getting the 5:1 after a deflection from a corner. In the end maybe a win a bit too high but in line with the rest of the season.

Goals: Karol (2), Todd, Javier, Cary
MVP: Brent

Storm Goes Down Against Cucuy

Cucuy FC - Storm FC 2:0 (1:0)

Based on past experience we knew this wouldn't be easy. So we played our usual lineup with one change, Ben as central defender/sweeper in back. To me that was a genius move, and Ben really had a great game, picking up the pieces behind Brent. First half we didn't allow many chances but had a tough time setting up plays on our end as well. Andrew had two great chances but didn't make it. Jason had a fantastic cross from far right that I was barely able to reach sliding in but just passed the goal. Then CNate kind of spiked the ball in our box, but the ref let it play on. Yes it was a hand, but no that was definitely not intentional, Nate's opponent shoved him just at the right moment. That guy would also wrestle Nate in the box a few seconds later, which got Nate the yellow, to all's surprise. But no penalty because the corner was not yet in play. Soon later there was another plea by Storm for a penalty that fell on deaf ears. I really didn't see that one so I'm not sure if it was a good call or not, but minutes later the ref gave us a penalty after a 50/50 handball on the other side. Kind of a tough decision, especially after denying Storm 3 times in a row. Karol took up the responsibility and finished cleanly in the bottom left.

Second half it was an open game, with some advantage for us. After some nice passing in midfield, Karol had an open shot just outside the box but at last second passed it on to Andrew to the left, who finished for the 2:0. Storm came back with a goal but it was called offsides, which let to the well-deserved yellow for the big central striker on Storm and some heated exchange with Brent. The yellow also won me a half-time bet with Javier. Storm should have scored at least one with a great header, but that one was somehow saved by Kyle, I think his best save this season.

Goals: Karol, Andrew
MVP: Ben

Cucuy Beats Barca, Sets New Record

Barca FC - Cucuy FC 0:5 (0:3)

So we did play at 8, and it wasn't all a ploy from Karol to get us there and warmed up on time. Jason was back from hiatus and apparently well rested and ready to go.  Out of three shots on goal he scored twice, both excellent shots that left the keeper no chance.  Cary could have also scored but only hit the cross bar. Then it was up to Javier to show of his skills, first losing the ball on a run on goal, then getting it back and scoring the 3:0.

Second half Cary scored an amazing goal from half right, a long distance shot into the left upper ninety. From that angle, the whole bench of VIPs and celebrities were right behind him to see the shot hit its mark. That goal was also this season's number 44, a new record!

Barca had a few players on their team that played a bit dirty and were late on some tackles against Karol, Schluni, and Hintzki. Karol lost his cool and got send off, but we were unfazed, and Cary even scored the 5:0 with a man down. Thanks to Dan and Cory for the round of refreshments!

Goals: Javier, Jason H. (2), Cary (2)
MVP: Hintzki

Cucuy Wins Waterbattle

Cucuy FC - Jolly Rogers FU 4:1 (1:1)

Playing in somewhat irregular conditions, we had to wrestle this one from Jolly Rogers.  Although throughout the game we were the better team in my view, they held us to a 1:1 at half time. Cary had put us 1:0 ahead after a sweet pass from the left (was that Hintzki?) and a shot in the lower right corner.  Cary had a similar shot just a few minutes earlier from closer distance, which the keeper was able to save miraculously. Then CNate tried his luck from almost the same place, but the ball stopped dead in his tracks in the middle of  a puddle, with CNate surfing right past it.  Cory in goal was not very busy, and there wasn't anything he could do about the one shot that went passed him.

Second half we got a little more confident with our passing game, and Karol scored the 2:1. Jolly Rogers had two huge chances but were not able to score. Soon later Karol scored his second, after a series of passes back and forth, really nice. At that point, Jolly Rogers pretty much gave up and we had a whole bunch of chances. I scored the final goal after a deflected shot from Cary.  The game was pretty fair overall with the exception of Beacon-of-Sportsmanship-Nick, who took people out left and right, thanks to some traction issues. Big thanks to Cory and Arno for the refreshments after the game!

Goals: Karol (2), Cary, Eddy
MVP: Karol
Best of Show: CNate

Randolph Ends Winning Streak

RAFB FC - Cucuy FC 4:3 (2:2)

Although we lost this one, I think it was more fun than beating up on Aljeandro. Randolph is a really good team with several fast players on their side, and they kept pounding us for the first 20 minutes. Our defense kept them at a distance from goal, so they had to try long-range shots but without success. At some point the were able to pass it in the box for the 1:0, although most agreed that it was probably offsides. We had only occasional chances but were able to score twice on counter attacks, first Javier breaking through and then Andrew, after a picture-perfect pass from Karol. Then Randolph scored their second, but a 2:2 at a half time was not bad in my view.

Second half Randolph increased the pressure and we had a tough time getting out of our half. Kyle had several good saves, but eventually Randolph scored the 3:2 and then 4:2 shortly after. I would have thought the game to be more or less over at this point, but Randolph let up a bit, and we started fighting back. The longer we played, the better we got. Hintzki should have scored the 4:3, after a shot from short distance with his back to the goal. Somehow, the keeper got his fingertips on it and the shot went against the crossbar. Then I set up a long cross to the far post where Cary put the diving header against the post. A minute later the ball came to Karol, pretty much in the same spot, who crossed it the same way, again to Cary, who now knew better and headed it in. Shortly after that, a Randolph player saw his second yellow, but in the end there was not enough time to tie the game.

Goals: Javier, Cary, Andrew
MVP: Karol

Cucuy Continues Winning Streak

Cucuy FC - Celaya FC 3:1 (1:0)

After two easy-peasy games we finally played an equal opponent. Karol scored the only goal first half from a free-kick, slightly left side. Beautiful shot, no chance for the keeper. I took a freekick from the far right to the short corner, but this time the keeper paid better attention. So 1:0 it was at half time. Second half Celaya played much better, but we got another freekick, this time on the slight right. Javier took it and put it straight in the left upper corner, past keeper and a defender at the post - what a shot! By the way, for both free kicks Cary was the one that got fouled, count that as two assists. The 2:0 gave us a boost to fight back Celaya, and soon after Javier scored his second. The longer the game lasted, the better Celaya played, helped by the fact that we didn't have any subs. Having Kyle in goal and Schluni and Brent on defense was the difference between a 3:1 and a 3:3.

Goals: Javier (2), Karol
MVP: Kyle

Alejandro Goes Under

Cucuy FC - Alejandro FC 11:1 (6:0)

Four games, four wins, 30 goals, looks like we're off to to a good start this season. Ale-Alejandro did not give us much of a game, although we did not call their name during the game. A highlight of the game was Cary's volley after a setup from Stan. Before that he scored another goal which was his 50th goal for Cucuy - that calls for a round next game. And CNates goal, yessir, a volley with his left into the bottom left. Which is also kind of cool because Nate just passed Dan in the all-time goals list. And then of course Schluni's goal, one shot, one goal, again? Maybe he should play up more often.

Goals: Eddy (2), Karol (2), Cary (2), Ben (2), CNate, Schluni, Pat
MVP: Karol

Second Half Seals the Deal

Cucuy FC - Azteca FC 9:0 (1:0)

You're right, 9:0! So how did that happen? First half the Aztecas did a fairly well job keeping us away from their goal. It took us about 20 minutes until CNate gave off the first warning shot that was on goal. Out of all the great chances we had the goal came really from a non-chance. Azteca's sweeper blocked a ball that was rolling towards the keeper, hoping the keeper would come out and pick it up. Javier chased him down and somehow, between keeper and sweeper, got the ball loose and towards the middle, where Pat picked up the pieces. Not a bad move. Azteca pretty much relied on counter attacks but was shut down by our defense. Both Nick and CNate on the wings had a great game, not just defending but opening up the game.

I had a feeling we would be scoring again second half, maybe not eight times though. There were several awesome goals, for example Karol's free-kick that went straight in the upper ninety. Or Schluni's goal: one shot, one goal, not bad! Jason also scored, which is now his third goal in three games - what's going on here? At some point, Azteca lost their sweeper to a red card, and after that they pretty much gave up.

Goals: Pat, Karol, Cole, Schluni, Hintzki, Eddy, Javier (2), Huczek
MVP: Pat

Hammerspiel Against Old Boys

Cucuy FC - International Old Boys FC 6:5 (3:2)

What a game! So we had most of the possession, but the Old Boys made 2 goals out of 3 chances. Looked to me we were playing pretty nervously, building up the Old Boys confidence. In the beginning I thought we were the much better team but at 0:2 I started to doubt it. Interestingly, with about 30 minutes left in the half, the Old Boys started to run down the clock.  Seriously? Anyways, Ben came in on the right wing and turned things around for us. He set up a whole bunch of plays that led to great chances and goals. Our first goal was Huczek's, a volley out of maybe 10 yards that went into the upper right corner and left a hole in the net. Let's just say I doubt the keeper would have saved it if he had stood in that corner with his hands up. Then Hintzki scored a Doppelpack, one of them a really nice shot from long distance. So 3:2 it was at halftime and all was good.

Second half almost did not start because the Old Boys refused to pay the new rate for the ref. Somebody found 5 bucks and we continued the game, scoring twice, first Andrew and then Karol via penalty after getting tripped up in the box. Kind of a hard call against the Old Boys, maybe the ref was still thinking of all that crap they gave him at half time. At 6:2 things should have settled down pretty easily on our side, but the Old Boys first got a penalty of their own, and then scored two more goals. Old Boys could have tied it but CNate saved a shot on the goal line and the day for us.

Goals: Jason H., Hintzki 2, Andrew 2, Karol
MVP: Ben

Cucuy Wins, Atlas Shrugs

Cucuy FC - Atlas 4:2 (1:1)

For the start of the fall (?) season it was a nice start. Atlas pushed us back the first 20 minutes but we held our ground. We had few chances until Jason put us ahead pretty much out of nowhere. He had the ball on the far right, pretty far from goal and an impossible angle. Then he let go one of his signature laser shots that would make Rooney proud that zoomed straight into the keepers corner, past the surprised looking keeper. That shot definitely gave the whole team a boost we needed. We scored again but the goal was called offside. Instead Atlas scored so we were at a tie at halftime.

Second half saw plenty of action and great moves. First one was Javier's goal, after he chased down a pass, turned around two defenders and then buried it in the back of the net. Atlas then tied it with a goal that looked a lot like offsides and got us pretty worked up. But Hintzki gave the perfect response by scoring the 3:2, a double-turn falling-down slide-shot in the bottom right. Atlas came back hard but Scotty had an amazing day, pretty much shutting down everything that came through the middle by anticipating plays and then setting up our attacks. Icing on the cake was a pretty cool play that started with a long throw from CNate, that ended up with Jason at the far corner of the goal who won the header giving it back to me. With my back to the goal I passed it back to Cole, who had an open shot but passed it to the other corner to Cary, who should have passed it back to me or Jason, but decided to just put it in.

Goals: Jason H., Javier, Hintzki, Cary
MVP: Scotty
Goal of the day that did not happen: Carl's flying header.

Toros Beat Cucuy

Cucuy FC - Deportivo Toros 0:3 (0:0)

We held strong against them first half, but in the end the Toros deservedly won. Carl in goal did an outstanding job first half, with at least two world-class saves. One was a fantastic one-handed reflex, the other a saving dive after a well placed free-kick in the bottom left corner. CNate also deflected at least two shots that would have gone in. Although the Toros pushed us back pretty hard, we also got several good chances, and I'm not talking about Javier trying to score off the kick-off.

Second half the heat really started to affect us (me for sure), and with only one sub it was hard to get a break. Toro's first goal was a directly converted corner, pretty much Carl's only mistake that day. We still produced a couple of counter attacks, but with the Toro's having about 7 subs or so they soon got the best of us. Things could have gone worse if Schluni wouldn't have defended as well, and if CNate had not intervened once more, chasing a striker down at full speed and tackling the ball away, CNate-style. Overall I would say though I'm liking the new system with the two defensive mids. Makes it a lot easier for the wing players to set up plays.

MVP: CNate
Goals: None

Todd Wins the Bet!

Cucuy FC - Jolly Rogers FU 5:1 (3:0)

Supposedly, these guys have requested to play us. I assume Todd had a going bet with his boss... The opening minutes were all about settling into the new playing system. Schluni got to enjoy the sweeping position, while Brent, Karol and Scotty shared the holding mid/stopper duties. The new format allowed us to keep a lot more possession and control the midfield a lot better. Jollies had a crafty young forward that was willing to show off his legit skills. Our three-men defensive line did a great job containing him for the most of the game.

Our opportunities to score a goal started to stack up as the game progressed. Andrew had a sitter after a good combination through the middle, but it got saved. The first goal came off the corner kick, Karol attempted to feed Cole located two yards from the goal line. Cole played a dummy, skipped over the ball, which ricocheted off the defender into the net, 1:0. By then, Cucuy FC had an upper hand and generated hand-full chances to double our tally. Eventually, the play developed in the left corner, after few exchanged passes Andy delivered a pin-point cross to Andrew, who calmly sent a ball with his head into the right upper corner. Quality cross, top notch finish and 2:0. Few minutes later Nate ventured into the offensive half and his run was no joke. Started with winning the ball, then had a nice give-and-go, and then sending a perfect cross from the right side all the way to the back post. The first shot got saved, but Andrew poaching cleaned up the mess, 3:0.

The second half was more of the same. Cucuy FC controlled the play, but threw away a sinful amount of 100% chances. One of those opportunities Ben decided to finally convert and made it, 4:0. Or was it because he did not shot directly at the keeper? Our last goal goes to Cole, who decided to 'dust-off' his right boot and took a shot that surprised already fatigued keeper, 5:0. With closing minutes, Jollies made a final run and the earlier mentioned youngster dribbled through our exposed back lines (or Schluni felt bad for him considering the score..) and adjusted the score to final 5:1. (Karol)

Goals: Andrew (2), Karol, Ben, Cole

MVP: Brent

Mecenaries Go Down Against Cucuy

Mercenary FC - Cucuy FC 1:4 (0:1)

We started this one with 9 guys and had only 1 sub by half time. Still, we were controlling the game and rolling attack after attack. The passing in the back and midfield was really good, just that last pass or shot was always slightly off. Hintzki had the best chance after a cross that he headed in the far corner where it bounced against the post and came back. When Todd finally scored everybody was pretty relieved. It was not the most dangerous shot from us that half, but the one that made it through. Kyle saved the 1:0 for us at half time.

Second half Carl gave his come-back, giving a solid performance on the right mid. Then the Mercenaries got their goal on a counter attack, one of only a few shots on goal until then. Just minutes later we got a free-kick in a great position after Karol got clipped. He subbed out and I subbed in. I think Cole put the free-kick on goal and the keeper saved it against the crossbar. From there it fell in my lap and considering my options, I gently lobbed it over the keeper storming at me for the 2:1.  We got several more chances until Hintzki sealed the deal by getting his header goal off a deflection from the keeper.  The icing on the cake was another goal from Dave, taking a shot from about 20 yards out and putting it low in the left corner. Thanks also to Wes for helping us out and who did a really good job on center holding mid.

Goals: Todd, Eddy, Dave H. (2)
MVP: Dave H.

Real Azteca too Strong for Cucuy

Cucuy FC - Real Azteca 1:5 (0:3)

It's always fun to play a team that plays a lot of offense, but these guys were just a bit better than us. We had about 7 or 8 subs, so we can't blame it on that either.  Interestingly, Real scored 3 goals that were disallowed before they scored the 0:1, so it's not like we didn't get a wake-up call either. On the counter attack I should have tied the game with a volley after a perfect cross from Karol, but missed by not much. We did however created several chances but did not score the first half.

Second half Real put more pressure on us, and Kyle had several opportunities to show of his skills. Real scored two more goals but somewhere in between Todd saved the team's honor by getting one for us.

Goal: Todd
MVP: Karol

Cucuy Beats Cranky Soccer Gurus

Cucuy FC - Soccer Guru 10:0 (6:0)

First of all, thanks to Kyle R. for showing up and saving the one shot he got on goal all day. We probably shouldn't have played these guys in the first place. But I guess it's summer and Carlos likes mixing things up a bit. First half, the Gurus came barely out of their half, and Javier took advantage of the holes in their defense four (!) times. Gurus had one shot on our goal that came of the post but that was about it. The best goal was probably Pat's, who headed-in a deflection while falling backwards.

Second half Javier started passing a bit more so other folks started scoring as well. He could have made it five, but the goal was unjustly disallowed. MVP though goes to Hintzki, who did lots of setup work in midfield, got cut down multiple times for that, and had a really good game.

Goals: Javier (4), Dave S., Dave H., Eddy, Kyle P., Todd P., Pat
MVP: Dave H.

Close but No Cigar Against Hooligans

Cucuy FC - Hooligan's FC 1:3 (1:1)

Playing against a team with average age of 22 gets to be tougher every time.  Especially when the half the team is nursing a hangover.  Cucuy did not play the best mach and we could not string more than three passes at the time.  Nevertheless, we managed to create good opportunities throughout the game.  Hooligans struck first after a deflected shot, 0:1.  Few minutes later Cary evened the things up from the corner kick with the diving header, 1:1.  Cucuy came close to take a lead after a set piece to David K, who managed to turn on his marker and send a cracking shot.  Unfortunately, it was deflected for a corner kick.  The second half we were getting tired and Hooligan's started to show an upper hand.  Breakdown in the middle allowed their sweeper to dash into our PK box and one-touch it passed Kyle, 1:2.  We kept creating scoring opportunities and Cole and Javier came close to even things up, but their shots flew over the cross bar.  Close!  In the final minutes, we pressed on searching for an equalizer, which exposed our already tired back line and allowed Hooligan's to score their third goal in the final minutes of the match.  

Goals: Cary

MVP: Cary

Cucuy Resurrects its Fighting Spirit

Fading Stars - Cucuy FC 2:3 (1:1)

The score does not tell the story of Cucuy FC domination.  We passed well, created good chances but could not find the back off the net.  Fading Stars converted their first and only chance in the first half. Javier tied us up after great work by Cole on the left flank.  The second half was a mere image of the first other that the scoring happened in last five minutes of the game. We go up 2:1 and FD scores off the kick-off run.  At the end, Javier felt like scoring a hattrick and so clinched a win for us. (Karol)

Goals: Javier (3)

MVP: Javier, Patrick

El Tri Beats Cucuy

El Tri - Cucuy FC 5:3

So this was a bit of a weird game. Usually if you're up 3:1 you should be winning, but not this time. I guess it did not help that we missed a bunch of players. Javier and Patrick both scored for us, and Cary showed us that last week's lazer-beam goal was no fluke and had another one. CNate had another thankless job as goalie, but did a great job. He saved at least three shots that I had already seen going in: in second half he somehow snatched a ball on a fifity-fifty that somebody had tried to lift over him, and then right before the end he first saved a cross that would have been a sure goal, and then blocked a shot from short distance that was on his way to the back of the net. In the end it didn't matter that much but made the score look a bit better. There might have been a come-back but first I got hurt and then Javier, which left us with no subs in 104 degree heat. Thanks to Dave Horstman and Bob for helping out.

Goals: Javier, Cary, Patrick
MVP: Nate

Cucuy Loses First Round Playoffs

CBC United - Cucuy FC 3:2 (1:1)

It's been a long time since I felt I was the fittest player on the field. This had something do to with the fact that the day before we celebrated Karol's bachelor party, and me showing up late to it. With Karol in no condition to play, and half the team in barely any condition to play, we gave CBC a bit of a head start. Fact that we played at 1 pm in scorching heat did not help either. So it was a bit surprising that we scored the first goal. After a nice corner from Javier he shot it in the bottom corner from the top of the box, nicely done. Somehow we made it into the break hanging on to a tie, but gave up two quick goals right after the break. Cary got us back in the game with an amazing goal, a shot from far out that gave the keeper no chance at all. Possibly the best goal this season. In the final minutes we got a good free kick on half left that could have tied the game but it was not meant to be.

Thanks to Scott for helping out and to Nate who did a decent job playing goalie.

Goals: Cary, Todd
MVP: Cary

Cucuy Outgun Blades

Cucuy FC - Blades FC 6:0 (2:0)

This game was excellent practice to sharpen up on the "avoid-the-offside-trap" skills. I think each half we must have had at least 10 offside calls against us, but I guess this was the game to do it. If there are still any uncertainties about offside, please go talk to Andrew, because he's the expert now.

We really caught the Blades on an off day. First half we dominated and kept them in their half but only scored two goals. And man, what a goal from Raul! Center-right, about 25 yards out, he put it in the upper left for the 2:0.

At half time I thought they were still giving us a game but not really. Although, after we scored 3:0 and 4:0, it seemed like our midfield became more offensive-focused, opening some space for occasional Blades counters ("Brent can handle that.") Blades should have scored on at least two chances. If we had made it any easier on them we would have put the ball in our own net. BUT, it didn't happen. Nicht getroffen - Schnapps gesoffen. So we got the 5:0 and then Andrew put the cream on top with a copy of Raul's goal, but this time from the left side, sick!

Goals: Andrew (2), Pat (2), Javier, Raul
MVP: Pat

Cucuy on Losing End against Toros

Deportivo Toros - Cucuy FC 3:2

Goals: Ben, Cary

Cucuy Sinks Jacala Boat

Cucuy FC - Deportivo Jacala 10:0

Goals: Scott K. (3), Andrew (2), Raul (2), Cole, Cary, Karol

Cucuy Dominates and Loses

El Tri - Cucuy FC 3:0 (1:0)

If anybody watched Barcelona vs. Chelsea, I was kind of reminded of that game in first half. Us being Barcelona, El Tri being Chelsea. We had a lot possession and chances, but little to show for. Patrick, Raul, Todd, Javier all had very good chances but the ball simply did not want to hit the back of the net. El Tri, with an average BMI about half of Cucuy's, gave us a little trouble with some counter attacks, but nothing we could not handle. On one of those we lost a bit of our concentration and Stan, trying to step in, stepped on the opponent instead, resulting in a penalty kick against us. Kyle did not have a chance and it was 1:0, also the score at half time.

Although there was some frustration over first half, I was certain we would turn this around second half. Pulling the stopper into defensive mid gave us even more offense, and from the start we had several good chances. The best was possibly after Raul dribbled the ball across the box and set me up. Unfortunately the ball went against the crossbar and out. Only a few minutes later, El Tri got a second penalty, and Brent a yellow. If that was a fair call or not I couldn't say, Brent and several others on our team completely disagreed however, and after further disagreement Brent saw a second yellow. With Brent out the rest of the game was an uphill battle, and the 3:0 was soon to follow. It could have been 4:0 if Kyle hadn't saved a great shot, barely getting a finger on it, tipping it against the post. Let's hope we got this one out of our system in time for Cinquo!

Goals: None
MVP: Kyle

Cucuy back on Top Against Mercenaries

Cucuy FC - Mercenary FC 5:1 (3:0)

After that non-fun game last week it looked like everybody has been working out getting ready for Cinqo de Mayo. Mercenaries also did not have their strongest team, but still, 5 goals are 5 goals.  We started strong giving the Mercenaries no time to set up or get a breather, and it looked just like a matter of time until we would score.  After about 30 minutes or so, Rody put us ahead 1:0.  Then Javier scored the 2nd goal a few minutes later, and I subbed in and scored the third. Not to be too much of a windbag, it was a pretty exiting goal. I dribbled around a few players and then put it with my right (!) foot in the bottom left corner. For somebody to score with the foot that god gave solely to stand on, it was pretty amazing. After the goal a guy from Mercenaries came up to me and said "I know you, you've been playing for Cucuy for years. What you did with our defense, you normally don't do that!" Which is true.

Second half we played against the wind, which usually helps our game. But I think we the 3:0 we got a little bit greedy. Less passing, plenty of long distance shots, for a while it looked like Mercenaries could come back. And yes, they did get three amazing chances in a few minutes, but Kyle in goal saved them all. Fantastic job. To quote the same guy from first half: "I don't think we could buy a goal from you guys." Then Raul put the lid on the pot with our 4th goal, having played a great game in center mid setting up our game and many of our chances. After that, Mercenaries got their goal of honor. Mr. Goddammit had finally broken through our defense. In the end, Kyle P. put the icing on the cake with our fifth goal of the day.

Goals: Rody, Javier, Eddy, Raul, Kyle P.
MVP: Raul

New Season Starts with a Whipping

Int'l 1961 FC - Cucuy FC 6:1 (1:0)

This game had it all: fantastic passing, fast-paced action, beautiful goals. Too bad it was mostly on the '61ers side. Ok it wasn't ALL on the '61ers side. Actually, the first half we played not bad at all, and allowed only one goal. Brent and Dave did a really great job in the center, Birke made sure he always had a few yards of a head-start on the outside striker, and CNate chased his guy up and down the field, and Daniel in goal had again some awesome saves. I for my part had my hopes up for second half.

Second half it seemed like the '61ers really increased the pace of the game. It might have been we just got a bit slower. It was definitely a faster pace than what I'm used to. In the end they scored goal after goal, and we did not find a way to stop them.  Roady scored the 3:1 which gave us some hope again, but only seconds later we got the 4:1. I felt pretty bad for Daniel in goal who did not have a chance to save any of the shots. I think I need to do some running for Cinqo de Mayo.

Goal: Roady
MVP: Karol

Nice Win Against Blades in Season Finale

Blades FC - Cucuy FC 1:4 (0:1)

It's always fun to beat the Blades, and this one was no different. The Blades gave us a pretty light ball which I found out after I shanked a free-kick over the goal (I barely touched it!) Minutes later, the Blades got a penalty after a pretty obvious foul, from Ben I believe. I don't think anybody on our team objected. In any case, the Blades shanked that one far over the goal as well, which made me feel doubly better. Daniel in goal had several excellent saves that kept the game tied. Then Cole got our first goal, and we took a break for half time.

Second half we scored the fastest goal of the season, less than a minute after the kick-off, after a superb Messi-pass from Jason that Cole put past the keeper and kind of shut the Blades up for a while. Congratulations, since this was the 333rd goal for Cucuy! Raul and Ben scored our next two, and somewhere in between the Blades got another penalty, this one much more debatable after an unintentional hand from Brent. Overall a fun game, and a nice finish for the season.

Goals: Cole (2), Raul G., Ben
MVP: Karol

Tie Against Queretaro

Queretaro - Cucuy FC 2:2

Goals: Roady, Cole

Machine Beats Cucuy

The Machine - Cucuy FC 0:2

Great game, lot of chances, but at the end the mistakes proved too costly.  The Machine punished us for making two defensive mistakes in the first half.  Surprisingly, we had a great performance all 90 minutes. Overall I was very pleased because we generated more chances than our opponent, but our efficiency let us down.  - Karol

Goals: -
MVP: Jason

Cucuy Beats D1 Champ

Cucuy FC - Mulligan's FC 5:3 (4:1)

It was the toughest, fastest game I've played with Cucuy FC.  Originally we were scheduled to play Vanguard, which was not going to be an easy game. But at the last minute, SASA lined us up against Mulligan's FC (D1 champ, and Cinco de Mayo winner for D1). So we gave them hell... First half, they got ahead by scoring a sloppy goal resulting from our lack of concentration in the box.  Javier tied it right off the kick-off.  We had few good shots, countered well. Mulligan's obviously underestimated us the first half. As we got awarded a penalty, then scored a nice volley and a breakaway goal. 4:1 Cucuy after first half.

The second half the opposition woke up or just changed the things around a showed why they are the reigning champs. They scored a fairly quick goal due to breakdown in our midfield. Cucuy FC re-established the three goal lead after a nice counter. Last fifteen minutes were the hardest I've experienced as a Cucuy player. Our players were exhausted but refused to give up by showing lot off grit and pure determination...  Mulligan's FC scored one more to make it 5:3 final. - Karol

Goals: Javier, Shawn (2), Andrew, Lamar

MVP: Kyle R.  

Cucuy Beats Internationals

International Old Boys - Cucuy FC 1:4 (0:1)

We last played these guys at Cinqo de Mayo where we lost against them in the final, so we knew these guys have some skill. This time we were missing Karol, Brent, and Kyle, so it was clear things wouldn't be easier. Luckily, Daniel helped out in goal, which freed up Schluni for field play. The first twenty minutes were pretty rough. The old boys had at least 4 great chances but could not score on either of them. Then Cary and Nate showed up and we were able to settle things much better in the back.  Soon after that Scotty and I subbed ourselves in, except that only Kyle came off, while Hintzki still had some business to take care of. So I watched Scotty break through midfield on the right and set up Hintzki with a perfect cross to the left, who put it away for the lead. After putting us ahead he was ready for a break. In any case, that was our first shot on goal, and a completely surprising lead.

Second half we started much better, and soon Javier scored our second. We played much better and now controlled the game, hardly letting anything through the defense. Cole could have scored the third but only hit the post from where it bounced to Jason, who's shot was also blocked. Then we got a penalty after a handball in the box. Patrick did not give the keeper a chance on this one.  Finally, Cary got a long ball on the right side, flew past two defenders and buried it in the back for the 4:0.  With only a few minutes left, the Old Boys scored their goal but that's all they were able to manage against us today.

Goals: Hintzki, Javier, Patrick, Cary
MVP: Schluni

Tie Against El Tri

El Tri - Cucuy FC 0:0 (0:0)

Cucuy FC Gets a Lesson in Effectiveness

Cucuy vs. Blitzkrieg 0:4 (0:1)

We did not know what to expect, since Blitzkrieg is a relatively new team. With the core players missing: Brent, Edgar, Jason, Todd, Kyle P, Cole, and Hintz we knew it was going to be a tough day for us. The beginning of the game was quite comical, since neither team had their kit. It was hard to distinguish players, but nevertheless Cucuy played nice soccer with lot of passing and possession. Thanks to three guest players (Ernesto, Edward, and ...) we had two subs. Seemed like Cucuy was closer to scoring in the first half (5 corners to 1, 6 shots to 1), mostly thanks to Ben who stopped the opponent's counter attacks at the half field. Until, the last play of the half time, when our right side got overloaded due to an injury in the process. One shot - one goal and a half time whistle.

The second half things did not change much as we maintained pressure, took lot of shots, defended well, but just could not score. Eventually, Blitzkrieg managed to string another attack and overloaded left side. Ben did what he could, Kyle put his hand on it, but the finish was superb, 0:2. Cucuy mounted several chances, corners, good shots, but it was not meant to score a goal. While we were busy attacking, Blitzkrieg scored two more goals from the next three shots. So, totaling 4 goals out of 5 shots. Not bad. (Karol) 

MVP: Ben

Azteca FC is Not Real Azteca

Cucuy FC - Azteca FC 9:1 (4:0)

We've had many close game against Real Aztecas in the past, so we were expecting another fight on Sunday. Looks like the new team, Azteca FC, is not quite up to speed yet. Our defense was once more really good, shutting down Aztecas before they even made it into the box. Nick especially had a super game. There were only a few long-distance shots, but nothing where Kyle needed to get serious. We pretty much dominated and finished the 1st half with four goals. The best goals (in my view) though came 2nd half. The first one was a free kick from Karol, half-left side, maybe 23 yards, direct kick, straight into the upper right corner, thankyoucomeagain. Shortly after that Karol got the ball from a throw-in, same position but a little further out I think, and took aim at the left corner and let it fly. The keeper had a finger on it and put it on the crossbar, but from there it bounced off the keeper into the goal. It was just a cool shot. Somewhere in between Aztecas got their goal of honor, after an an unlucky defense by Kyle off a cross that made its way towards goal instead.  The final goal came from Kyle P. after a long and high cross from the left that just connected perfectly with Kyle at the far post.  Unmarked, it looked like he had all the time in the world to pick his spot and then headed it in with no chance for the keeper. We're now 3 and 0, but I bet next game won't be as easy...

Goals: Karol (2), Javier, Andrew (2), Cole, Todd, Kyle P., Patrick
MVP: Cary

First Win in 2012

Deportivo Toros - Cucuy FC 0:2 (0:0)

Finally a game, after what seemed like ages. I was a bit worried about how we'd play, but we did surprisingly well after about 20 minutes. Up to then, there was a bit confusion about where everybody should be and all. We did not have too many chances first half, except for a few distance shots and a header that I should have probably put away but didn't, bummer. Kyle had several good saves and kept us in the game for the 0:0 at half time. I think Toros were the better team up to then. Toros should have gotten a penalty but the ref let it go, then Karol was clearly taken out, and as a concession, we did not get that penalty either.

Second half it was still an open game, but we got better chances, probably also because we had more subs, and Birke on our side. Birke was clearly pumped up after weeks of working out and had one of the best games I've seen him play.  Then finally, Todd scored the 1:0 after a nice cross from Cary. The ball came flying about mid hight and Todd just volleyed it in. One of those shots that go half the time over the goal or left or right, so nicely done! Toros were clearly not happy with this and started pushing back, almost scored but the cross bar saved us. Then we should have scored after a scuffle in the box, Cary toed the ball past the goal keeper and a Toros player played keeper on the line. Instead of hand and penalty, to all's surprise the ref called a handball on Patrick. Then Toros had another good shot that was saved by the cross-bar. The second goal happened after I found myself with the ball and no defender in sight on the left midfield. Javier was offside so I started to run with the ball. I did not see a good opportunity for a pass so I decided to give it one more touch and shoot. Then something fast and hard struck me from the side, and we got a penalty. Karol put it away for the win.

Goals: Karol, Todd
MVP: Cary