Strikers FC

Results and Recaps

Game 1, Feb 21st vs Real Maya

Strikers returned for another season after a heartbreak loss in the semifinals last season. With only one scrimmage (or should we say water polo) in preseason and no practices, everyone knew the first game would be interesting. As the forecast predicted rain and as field closures mounted, Strikers were lucky to not have their game cancelled. The game started under partly cloudy skies, no wind i.e. perfect soccer weather. Frankly, the game could not have started any better...Strikers moved the ball around, put pressure on the opposition. By the time the late players arrived, momentum was on our side. The first goal scored started back in the Strikers goal box. Keeper sent a long ball that was headed/flicked from Todd to Webb. Webb then passed to Justin who gathered the pass and took a low hard shot off the post. The defection went right to Matt who knew he had to keep it low and hard before the defense could react...in which he did, great finish. Strikers 1-0. After the score, the fouls & contact grew more evident, which led the referee to get involved. Strikers forward, frustrated that he was fouled without a call, questioned how the Referee obtained his referee license. This lead to consecutive yellow cards = soft red card; Strikers down to 10 men. This was a momentum change, as Real Maya pushed forward. Real Maya scored on a questionable free kick just outside the box. As the first half came to a close, the weather turned sour. Thunder was heard in the distance & a cold windy rain began to fall, turning the pitch into a swampy, rain soaked mess. Strikers changed formations during halftime, to compensate for the lost man. Real Maya came out strong, knowing they were up a man. No real scoring chances for the 1st 10 minutes, as the rain continued & puddles grew larger; stopping the ball as passed were attempted. Striker's 2nd goal game from a cross that Todd was able to put away. Strikers 2-1. To be honest, it gets fuzzy from hear on out with all of the red & yellow cards. Kevin was able to notch a goal in his belt, albeit an own goal. Not his fault, as a Real Maya cross deflected right onto his melon - right into the back of the net, 2-2. I think at this point a Real Maya defender receives his 2nd yellow card, so now both teams are down to 10 players, 20 minutes to go in the game. Strikers next goal was a beauty, a hard cross from Jon found Justin as he sent a great shot that the goalie was able to get too put there was just too much pace as it trickled into the back of the net, Strikers 3-2. Strikers last goal came from Webb�s pressure as he was able to create a defensive mistake took the ball and passed to Justin who had an open net, Strikers 4-2. After the goal Real Maya received 2 red cards, they were down to 8 men, game was over. It�s nice to start the season out with a win. Let's keep the yellow cards down, and yes I will lead by example as was the case last season :)

Feb 21st by Bryan Ream