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Results and Recaps Fall 2008

Game 1 Aug 17th: Strikers unable to get on track early, lose 4-2 to Tenacious C

• Strikers definitely don't get the start that they hoped for, but at least the 1st game wasn't rained out this time...right??? Strikers came out of the gate flat. Midfield and defensive play was a little sluggish to start. Tenacious C started out quick scoring their first goal on a play right down the middle of the field. The second goal was totally bogus. Linesman calls offside and Strikers attempt to setup for offside kick, but as the ref never blew the whistle Tenacious C forward takes ball in for a one on one versus the keeper. The referee should have awarded an offside kick here, as the Tenacious C forward never left offside position, but referee totally botches the call. Strikers are stunned at this point. The players start to regroup and begin to knock the ball around a little better and start getting some offensive opportunites. Webb makes a good move and takes a nice shot that just hits the cross bar. Shortly after that Ream makes a good cut back on the left wing and sends a solid cross left footed to Todd whose volley also nails the crossbar. A low corner from Chuck to Dutch is nearly deflected into the box. Bryan Ream is tackled in the box and an INDIRECT KICK is awarded - go figure, another botched call. Should have been a PK or a No Call. Finally right before the start of the second half Strikers capitalize on a great corner from Jeff with a sweet header upper 90's from Dutch. Talk at half is that Strikers need to come out stronger and regroup - game is within grasp, but the second half sees Tenacious C take a 4-1 lead. A midfield collapse from both wings allows an easy 3rd goal and a 4th goal comes off a solid shot that is deflected by Strikers defense after a bad indirect call is given for holding the ball too long. Strikers finish strong with another great corner kick goal. Jeff sends in a nice cross and Ream hits a perfect volley in midair. Strikers need better defensive effort moving forward and need to finish on scoring opportunites as we hit 2 crossbars and have 4-5 breakway opportunities as well. Good news - we got 2 more corner kick goals than what we got all of last year :)

Game 2 Aug 24th: Strikers sluggish starts continue, but manage late goal short handed, tie 1-1 vs Trinity United

• What a joke of a field. High grass and large mud pits made this "swamp" very unplayable. Ball control and team speed are completely neutralized by the field conditions. Strikers play first five minutes of the game with good intensity, but seem to play on their heels for the next 75 minutes. Trinity is awarded a penalty kick early after a foul in the box and score. About 25 minutes into the game Strikers forward is given yellow cards on back to back plays - both of which were totally unwarranted. Strikers forward is taken down in the box and then shown a yellow. It's unclear what the call was here, but it sure seemed that Strikers should have been awarded a PK instead of a yellow card. Strikers play the next 60 minutes short handed. The game play for most if the game is extremely sloppy (mostly due to the field conditions). Great goalkeeping and stellar defensive plays keep Strikers in the game, even though the Trinity players maintain pressure in the Strikers defensive 3rd of the field nearly the entire game. Late game talk was about moving an extra attacker up top to generate help on offense. Right as the captains agree to move Simpson up with 10 minutes left, Webb is fould very hard in the box and has to leave the field. Enter Mr. Free Kick Himself. A nailed PK levels the game at 1-1. Strikers immediately respond to the goal with a new level of intensity, generating a couple more offensive runs, but are unable to get another goal and tie 1-1. Needless to say, the field didn't help today, but Strikers have to come out with more energy and sustain a higher level of play to be successful.

Game 3 Sep 7th: Strikers minus GK, but dominate play early in 2-1 victory versus FC United

• Excellent defensive effort today fellas. I have to say that we have really turned the table defensively and gave up no clear chances in the first half. Strikers, missing 4 of their 18 man roster, came out strong early, dominating the play. Great crosses by Jeff, Rick, and Dutch kept FC United on their heels the entire half. Early in the game Justin sent a ball just over the central defender that Webb tracked down. Excellent hustle play - Webb was able to get between 2 defenders while getting bumped and managed to get it past the keeper, Strikers up 1-0. Shortly after that Chuck sent in a nice cross that was just headed over the crossbar by Webb. A little after that a ball is sent to Rick, who steps over the ball and leaves for Dutch throwing off the defense. Dutch breaks down the side and up the goal line and lays a perfect ball at the six yard line to Chuck who manages to kick it over the bar (I should never live that down). All in all Strikers were never seriously challenged in the first half, but on the two occassions that they were Jack came up big in the box making two solid saves. Strikers enter half time leading 1-0. Halftime talk is about maintaining excellent wing play and just keep doing what we are doing. We started out a little sluggish in the second half giving up some early opportunities, but the defense held tight and Todd play solid in the box the second half. Strikers generated a corner kick about 10 minutes into it that Jeff sends to Dutch - Dutch pounds a header that the keeper barely knocks over the bar. On the ensuing corner jeff takes a low kick that was deflected out to Justin who punishes the ball into the net, Strikers up 2-0. Play slows for a bit from this point forward as Strikers sit on their lead and get caught playing a little too much defense deep in their end, allowing one goal in the final minute of play. Strikers win 2-1. Again - excellent defensive effort, great play and use of our outside mids and wings, excellent spacing, and a ton of hustle from the whole team got us this win. I think playing on a nice, flat, dry field with some mowed grass helped!

Game 5 Sep 21st: Strikers start slow after 2 week break, but capitalize in second half, beat Raiders 2-0

• Well it was obvious in the first half that the rain didn't help us last week. We were slow, beat to most loose balls, unable to complete any passes and really unable to get the ball out of our own end of the field. Another stellar performance by our defense (Hunter, Chris, Ryan, Josh, Kevin) and our goal keeper kept us in this game early. Our defense only allowed one or two decent shots all game and Erol was up to the task on both occassions. Strikers were able to generate only one real scoring opportunity early with Mr. Freekick himself sending a nice free kick right over the wall and Dutch, the header machine, just deflecting it over the bar. Strikers enter halftime 0-0, feeling pretty dominated. Talk at the half was to move to the ball, make a good first touch, utilize the wings more and hit some through passes to our forwards. It was noted that there outside mid's did not drop back, their defense was a little slow and their keeper was unchallenged in the first half. Second half saw the strikers stick to the game plan and generate much more offense. Early on Webb was fouled just outside the box. Mr. Freekick sent a perfect ball just over the back line and Dutch was there again getting way up and sending a nice header that hit the crossbar, bounced right to Jack who finished it off. 1-0. A little later Ream received a pass and made a nice move into the box but was just unable to get through the keeper and the defender, but nearly scored. Webb had another opportunity 1 v 1 against the keeper on a nice through pass and nearly put it in the back of the net with the keeper just managing to make the save. Second goal came on a quick counter attack. A great clearance by Hunter was headed on by Dutch to Justin who was streaking down the field, 2 touches later and he nailed the ball into the back corner, 2-0 Strikers. All in all it took us about 45 minutes to really get our legs back after the break but our defense kept us in it and our offense got the job done in the second half. Solid win guys, lets keep it up.

Game 6 Sep 28th: Strikers Barely Lose 0-3 to Plano Elite

• The score at the end of the game was not a good indication of how close the game really was. Actually, the game played out more like a sloppy chess match that should have ended in a stalemate, and was probably about as boring to watch as well. You'd have to ask the three fans that came to watch what they thought. Neither team produced much offensively (outside of the two great shots from distance the ended up in our net...nothing we could do about that), a couple chances here and there for us but no results. None of the 13 players that showed up played poorly, we just never got into any kind of a rhythm or flow...but what else can you expect on a field that is only 40 yards wide. But instead of focusing on a loss, let's look ahead to the next game. We are by no means out of the playoffs, and one can only imagine that having more than 2 subs at the game can only improve our chances. So...bring on STA Wildcats (tied for 4th with us) and show up for the game!

Game 7 Oct 5th: Strikers put themselves in playoff contention with 4-2 win over STA Wildcats

• Man what a difference a week makes! Last week we were wondering how the heck we lost and what happened to all of our players and depth. This week the only real question was what the heck is wrong with Chuck's ankles? That guy sure gets hurt a lot. Todd even said I have a "flair for the dramatic". Jerk - I had to send him pictures of the swelling just to defend my manliness. What Todd doesn't know is he's coming off the pine for the rest of the season!

  Seriously though, solid effort today. Strikers came out early against a gusty wind and managed to control the pace of the game. Some solid runs, through passes, and working down the right flank and through the middle generated excellent scoring opportunities for all of our forwards. Then about midway through the half, Mark "I'm not living in Oklahoma and I'm really happy to be back" Bernstein sent a perfect lead pass down the flank to Webber - 2 touches later and Webb finishes - strikers up 1 nil. It's good to have you back Mark - we need the depth! Our defense continues to play solid, but STA manages an equalizer on a quick counter attack and good shot. Right before the half though Ream is able to draw a foul at the top of the box and we get a free kick. We all know what happens next. Jeff, Mr. Freekick Himself, lines up for the shot. Ream positions himself on the end of the wall and Mr. Freekick bends it around the edge and nets it. Strikers go into halftime up 2-1. Talk at half is to continue the pace and pressure, but that Strikers are playing pretty well. Second half sees strikers get 2 more goals in before the mid point of the half. The third goal game off another free kick opportunity. Mr. Freekick pounds one into the middle of the box and after some bouncing around and confusion Jack cleans up the mess and puts it in. Strikers 3-1. A bit later Webb had some great work with the ball and sent a solid cross into Justin. A perfect first touch and finish and strikers take a 4-1 lead. At this point the game was pretty much wrapped up. Hunter got to play some forward, Ream played some defender - everyone had fun. STA's last goal came on a little miscommunication in the back. Mr. Freekick himself called Kevin off of a header that managed to trickle into the box. Kevin admitted Jeff was the only person that could have called him off of that. As simpson put it, Jeff's reputation was his own worst enemy here, but since he's our point leader, I think we'll give him a free pass on this one! Now the going gets rough guys, we have to defend 4th place again next week against Tenacious C, who is half a game behind us and has the confidence of 1 win against us already. Lets take em down!

Game 8 Oct 12th: Strikers continue battles in the trenches of Division 6, and hold on to 4th place in standings with 2-2 tie vs Tenacious C

• Tough effort today fellas. We were missing 4 key players today from defense and midfield and had to move Brian "I do whats best for the Team" Webb into sweeper. We came out shorthanded with only 13 players, including Chuck "broken ankles" Lewis who managed limited time in the first half. Strikers lose coin toss and Tenacious C. opts to take the wind in the first half. This does not phase Strikers players. Strikers manage equal pressure on Tenacious goal. Early on Ream controls the ball in the middle and maintains control in between several Tenacious defenders. Justin begins a run and Ream sends a perfect chip over the last defender that Justin runs onto and finishes. Strikers up 1 nil. Shortly after that Strikers center mid Todd dribbles around Tenacious stopper and sends a good ball to Trevor up top. Trevor immediately turns and sends a low bending lefty around the keeper and into the corner of the net. strikers up 2 nil. Lack up depth and exhaustion catch up to Strikers as a couple of players nearly lose their lunch on the field. Strikers unable to withstand pressure and allow 2 goals quickly before the half. Ream advises that switching to 4-4-2 prior to half might help stop the bleeding. This proves to be a wise call. Strikers send Rick into the middle of the field with Todd for added support immediately gain some control and composure. Second half saw strikers get pleanty of pressure, but unable to finish. Chuck sent one nice bending corner into the box and appears to hit the net and bounce out, but officiating crew was out of position to make the call. Strikers midfield presence was much better after the formation switch and Erol and the defense held steady. Kevin "Mr. Tenacity" Schneider played great as always, but draws a bogus yellow from the ref on a shoulder charge. Ryan and Sayles played awesome on the d-wings as well, and Webb did great at sweeper - all having to play the entire game since we were missing Hunter and Simpson because of injury. Our defense is often taken for granted and doesn't get enough credit - awesome play guys. Strikers finish with 2-2 tie, maintaining sole possesion of 4th place entering the stretch run and toughest part of the schedule yet.

Game 9 Oct 19th: Strikers fight hard, but lose in final minutes 2-1 vs. Trinity

• I cancelled the writeup on this one. I actually did write one, but it was a little too fiery after the spitting incident. Plus, after our win against Peru yesterday, I didn't think there was any reason to post it. Just know that we played really hard for 90 minutes, Ream played great in the box and even saved a penalty kick late in the game to keep us tied, our defense again gave up no break away opportunites, Ryan and Jack both get credit for the assist on Justin's goal as they were both directly involved, we gave up the go ahead goal with 3 minutes left, and if we play them again in the playoffs (if we make it) that we WILL be fired up to play... Our forwards are heating up as well with Justin knocking in goals on a weekly basis for a while now.

Game 10 Oct 26th: Strikers have best all around game of the season, if not 2 seasons, beating first place Peru-Dallas 2-0

• Fantastic game today fellas. Defense - you guys are playing incredible. Excellent effort from all of you - I was impressed. Our outside defenders (Simpson-good to have you back, Ryan and Webb) played serious shut down D today(I think it was your best game), Kevin was intense in the middle, and Hunter over and over again came up huge in one on one's when they did get through - giving up zero clean shots on goal today and controlling the ball well in the back. You know the old saying "Defense Wins Championships"...well that has been true for us in the past and it just might be that this season "Defense at least got us into the playoffs". We aren't there yet, but we took a huge step towards getting in today. I think it was a pretty awesome farewell to Erol as well, not making him work too hard in the box in his last game for us. Erol you'll be missed - good Luck in Boston. With him leaving it's good to see our defense really playing great - we'll need you guys for the rest of the season to keep stepping up.

  Everyone else, fantastic game as well. First 10 minutes or so was rough, but we played really physical, we passed pretty well (present company excluded until Bryan got me fired up:) ), and by the second half we were stringing together nice passes all over the field. It was our best effort in a long, long time. Midfield played great - Todd and Rick worked well together in the middle and played tough defensively. Jack had his "Best move of the year" - I'd have to agree. We passed well with our defense and our forwards, but most importantly we played good defense in the middle of the field. Way to use the subbing today to stay fresh as well. Jeff "Mr. Freekick Himself" Van Houten and one of our captains has been pivotal in the assist/setup department this season as he tallied 2 more helpers this week. First goal game from a free kick. Jeff sent a solid bending ball about 6 yards in that Webb redirected into the box on a nice header. Strikers up 1-0. Just a few minutes after that Strikers offensive hustle is awarded with a corner kick. Jeff sends another perfect ball into the box and Trevor "I'm starting to smell the back of the net" Czudak directs another header into the box, notching his second goal in three games. I think working on headers on Thursday paid off!!! The rest of the game saw the Strikers play great defense and pass really well along the wings and through the middle. Ream sent a sweet cross to Jack late in the game that turned into another scoring chance. All of this being said guys, don't expect this exact same team to show up next week. Being their first loss of the year, they'll be out for blood next week. We need to be ready for them to come out even stronger...it won't be easy and we'll need to play even better than we did today.

Game 4 Makeup Nov 2nd: Strikers Beat First place Peru again 3-1

• Solid Game again guys. Goals from Justin, Jeff and Jack sealed the deal!

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