Not So Athletico Peru

Cucuy FC - Athletico Peru 3:2 (1:2)

We brought in the new year with a great effort against a solid team, and fortunately our efforts paid off.

The game was evenly played from both sides from the start of the game.  I think we had some more threats on net than they did, but they controlled the ball and organized in the center of the field better than us.  Having the (generally) younger legs, we were able to compensate and keep up.  The first goal belonged to us and came from a semi-controversial corner kick that the Peru players did not seem to think was correctly called.  The kick was tight along the goal line, but Justin got in the keepers face and made a stuff play up close to deliver the ball to the back of the net.  The latter part of the first half was unfortunate as some uncharacteristically bad passes were made in our defensive half as we were trying to switch the field.  These losses of possession resulted in both of Peru's goals.

Despite the frustrating causes for Peru's goals, we regrouped at halftime, made some adjustments, and played with a sense of urgency.  We formulated a plan for the center midfield, marking their threats more tightly and all of a sudden their style of play became predictable and easy to defend.  The tying goal started at the right side of the field, where Justin crossed a ball on the ground to just above the PK spot.  A couple of dummies landed the ball on Karol's feet, where he took it one time to the lower left corner of the net.  With the tying goal behind us we dominated the rest of the second half.  With just a couple minutes left in the game, when it looked like we weren't going to be able to secure the winning goal, a very similar play to the tying goal resulted in the ball trickling out to Steve about 5 yards outside the 18, where it he took it one time with the outside of his right foot, leaving the keeper with no chance at a save.

Let's continue to bring it strong in 2014.

-Hintz

Goals: Justin, Karol, Steve
MVP: Justin
Cool Fact: Karol scored his 75th goal (!) for Cucuy, and Steve's goal was the 555th for Cucuy since we started keeping track. Prost to that!