July 21, 2007 ~ Game Recap

Approximately 28 players showed up this week, allowing for several subs for each side. At least a half dozen were first timers to EFC. Clear skies, mid 60's, low humidity and a tightly cut, dew covered field welcomed the EFC members. Teams Steve B & Joe R were acting commissioners and established the light and dark teams, with the light team getting the game started with the kick-off. The dark side were first to get on the scoreboard with an early goal within the first several minutes of the game. The goal was a powerful low strike from the top of the area to just inside the left post, even Andy H. cat-like reflexes in the net couldn't stop this. All due respect to whomever scored the goal, but this reporter wasn't paying very close attention at the time to identify the goal scorer, likely tying my shoe or something. Play was very even for most of the first half, with both sides having opportunities but not capitalizing. Late in the first half, the White side equalized on a strike from Arthur Joseph, just past the fingertips of Tom S (looking pretty snappy in his new boots, shin guards and gloves). White went ahead just before the half-time whistle when a through ball found Tim (newcomer in red shorts) who finished the play nicely.

For the first part of the second half, play went back and forth. White seemed to play a more controlled deliberate style, while Dark favored the quick counterattack. John G, back from a thigh injury last week, increased the White lead with a tremendous display of speed and agility, bringing the ball to the left corner, centering, and then finishing the play with a well-placed shot into the net. Please note that although John has considerable speed, he did not center the ball to himself. The service found a White teammate but her shot was deflected and John finished it off. Dark team pressed on with a sense of urgency but couldn't put a bulge in the onion sack. Later in the half on a quick counter Tim (red shorts) beat the Dark goalie again on another through pass and fine finish. Dark pressed on and found the net in injury time. A strong shot from the right flank was kept out of the net by a fine diving save by Steve B. The deflected ball found a perfectly-positioned (cherry-picking) Brint C, to finish off the play.

Posted by: Arthur Joseph ~ July 23, 2007