Current Recaps
Results and Recaps from Fall '09
Game 1 - Sunday Aug 23rd, Strikers start strong, but fall flat early, Lose 6-2 to Doctor Andy Chiro
- Well it was a great start to the season until we reached the end of the first half. Basically, we had a two goal lead through 41 minutes of play - gave up 2 quick goals in a 4 minute span and never recovered. Our midfield (myself included) was consistently out of position which created frequent odd-man rushes for our defense. As a team we were lunging way too much and not focusing on standing their guys up and forcing a pass. There were too many times when one of their players was able to dribble uncontested through our midfield and run at our defense with a full head of steam. We have to be able to stop the ball and allow our defense to set up and get in position. Until we figure out a way to clone Kevin we have to do a better job when he is out of the game. If it means dropping someone from the midfield back to provide extra support so be it. The positives were that we did play well enough to win for 41 minutes (until we ran out of gas),and our forwards did put up two goals which normally for us should be enough to win or worse case tie. Both Webb and Justin each used their speed to get behind the defense and put the ball in the back of the net. Without any subs they were still able to create several solid scoring opportunities and apply pressure in their defensive zone. We all know that we play Trinity in our next two games. If we don't want to start the season 0-3, it's crucial that we come out with more intensity and be ready to play.
Aug 25th by Trevor
Game 2 - Sunday Aug 30rd, Strikers regain focus, put up strong defensive effort, but lose lead in final seconds of the game. Tie Trinity 1-1
- All in all fellas this was a much better effort than last week. We came out and played with much more intensity/focus and it showed in our performance.
Our only goal of the game came late in the first half. A one-two pass between Jack and Webb on the right wing led to a quick break for Webb past the defenders and ended with Webb finding the back of the net on a nice shot to the far corner. That is 2 assists for Jack and 2 goals for Webb in the first two games. Good start to the season guys.
The second half was pretty even until the final minute and a half of the game. We were slow to get the ball out of our own end which led to a costly turnover. Their forward was able to rip a clean shot up near the top corner and tie the game.
As a team we gave them 3 breakaways and luckily for us they weren't able to capitalize on those opportunities. This is something we need to eliminate going forward. A positive trend that we can take away from the first two games is that we have held leads in both. We need to buckle down as a team and figure out a way to hold onto the lead once we get it.
We play these guys again in our next game and it appears both teams will be short-handed. Let's be ready to play and get our first win of the season.
Aug 31st by Trevor
Game 3 Sunday September 13th, Rained out versus Barcelona
- This one is currently rescheduled for the same time and field on November 8th.
Sep 21st by chuck
Game 4 Sunday September 20th, Strikers were missing 5 players, but look play like they are in late season form after 20 days off, destroy Beta-Juve FC 6-1
- So - does anyone else looks like they are 16 with acne (aka mosquito bites) all over their face and kneck. They were biting me through my socks and shin guard slides. I didn't take anything off until I got home and still managed to have a dozen bites under my socks and around my ankles. I've never seen anything like it in my life. Kevin's wife Adrienne was the only fan on our sidelines this week and she was doing calisthenics to keep them off her. I don't think anyone was really in that great of shape after 20 days off...I just think it appeared that way because we were all running as hard as we could to keep the little terds from eating us alive. No one wanted to be standing on the sidelines...it was a good thing we were short handed. I let the league know I wasn't thrilled, but I'd recommend bringing some repellent next week just to be safe.
Now to the nitty gritty. What can I say fellas. What a fantastic effort. We were all over the place against a much younger team on average. The passing was at a premium this week - better than I've seen it in a very long time. Our team chemistry is looking like we are in late season form already, so lets build from this and not let up. Defensively we gave up very few opportunities and really worked hard to lock guys down quickly, deny the pass, and deny the turn. It was a thing of beauty. Kudos to our primary defensive line out there. Sayles, Kevin, and Jeff were a rock of a back line this week as usual and Mike played fantastic at stopper, playing solid defensively and supporting the attack with some great ball control and movement. Kevin even got an assist playing from sweeper - awesome. These guys have had back to back stellar games. Great job fellas - lets keep it up. Ream had a typical Ream day in the box, coming up big when we needed him. This is something we've come to expect, but shouldn't take for granted. And the answer is 'No', Ream - just because you scored a goal at the end of the game does not mean you get to play up top next week - you're still playing keeper.
Our midfield played superb as well. We hit some great one two passes, we were hitting some nice through balls, made great runs from the center, got into open space, communicated, and attacked down the wings and through the middle. Defensively the mids were on top of it as well. Jack notched his third assist in three games and Todd grabbed his second. Mark's endurance was noted as he logged a ton of minutes but never seemed to let up on the outside. Dutch created a lot of mismatches on the outside and also had made some great passes and runs down the wing. He could have easily had several points. I shot another ball over the cross bar from 12 yards out :(
Offensively we could have done a little better. O'malley had 2 goals and an assist, Matt had two goals and two assists, and Justin added another for good measure. Ream got 5 minutes of forward time and was able to notch the final goal off some great work down the wing by Dutch and matt. Seriously guys - 6 goals. We could have done better...I'll give you that the ref did call the game 10 minutes early because of the mosquito plague and O'Malley was hunting for his hat trick. Seriously though - great effort. 4 points from Matt playing on the wing (who also provided some solid defensive minutes) and 3 from O'Malley up top. Justin knocked in his second goal of the season as well, so we have four guys with two goals a piece. Not to shabby. Lets build from this fellas and actually get on track early this season as opposed to having to dig out of a 3 game hole. I like where we're headed.
Sep 21st by chuck
Game 5 Sunday September 27th Strikers battle heat and Cuahtemoc, but manage to recover after falling behind early. Win 2-1
- I have to say that this was a very tough and exhausting game. Not only did we have to battle the heat and injuries but we also had to play several key players out of their regular positions. We were minus Sayles on the back line due to injury, and Mike came out and played hurt. Kevin went down with what we're calling a leg contusion in the second half. That left our defense decimated. Big props to all the guys who played back there, who played hurt, and who logged a ton minutes in the heat. Also big props to the guys that played out of position but where they had to for the sake of the team - we needed it. You all know who you are.
Overall the opposition had good team speed and consistently applied pressure to our midfield and defense. The first goal of the game came in the first couple of minutes on a run from one of their forwards down the right side of the field. He ripped a shot from what seemed like an impossible angle but was able to sneak it just inside the near post. Strikers down 1-0 early in the first half.
Strikers could have seriously slipped up at that point, but everyone regrouped, stepped up their play, and we were able to take a 2-1 lead going into the half. O'malley scored first on a pass or cross from Justin that he was somehow able to re-direct while his back was to the goal. The second goal came from a free kick into the box. JVH, Mr. Freekick Himself, is back in the writeup after sending a beauty into the box. Jack gained control and sent a nice pass across the box to Justin who was able to finish it in the corner with a solid shot. That's 4 assists in 4 games for Jack "The Assist Master" Ream and another solid outing for our midfield core. We adjusted to the heat after we fell behind, locking down their wings defensively and providing support as needed offensively.
Play in the second half was pretty even with both teams creating some very good scoring opportunities. Ream came up with several huge saves and was able to keep them off the board in order to preserve the win.
We have a tough game this week against FC Blitzkrieg. Let's focus on putting together another solid performance and continue our points streak.
Oct 1st by Trevor
Game 6 Sunday October 4th, Rained out versus Blitzkrieg
- This game will be made up on November 15th, @ 5:00pm at Premier Park 6
Sep 21st by chuck
Game 7 Sunday October 11th, Rained out versus Celtic
- This game will not be made up
Sep 21st by chuck
Game 8 Sunday October 18th, Strikers battle Dr. Andy Chiro in a rematch against the only team to beat us this season, miss on opportunities and tie 0-0
- This was obviously a much better result than the first time around with Dr. Andy but it feels like we let a win slip away. We came out a little slowdue to the long layoff between games. The first 10-15 minutes saw Dr. Andy control the tempo and dominate possession of the ball. As a team we picked up the pace once we woke-up and realized that there was actually a soccer game to be played this week.
On offense, we were able to create several scoring opportunities but understandably we were a little rusty and off the mark. Webb just missed scoring a goal on a nice cross from O'malley, Dutch had yet another header that hit in front of the goal and went over, Jeff had a chance to score on a freekick near the top of the box, and Mark just missed finishing a ball that trickled past the keeper. Justin seemed to be fouled by the defense every time he got the ball but somehow was on the wrong end of all the calls.
Dr. Andy did manage to take a few shots but nothing seemed to be even close to challenging Ream who earned his first "clean sheet" of the season. Our defense and midfield played well and did a good job of locking down the opposing players.
The downside to this game is that we picked up two more yellow cards. We can't afford to have any more of those.
Our next game is an important one against a familiar foe as a playoff spot is on the line.
Oct 21st by Trevor
Game 9 Sunday October 25th, Strikers rally after falling behind early, put together a great team win defeating Trinity United 4-1
- Overall guys this was an all-around solid team performance. Trinity came
out of the gates strong and put us down a goal early in the game but we
re-grouped and then showed why our team name is "Strikers". It was obvious
that their lack of subs and our consistent pressure quickly wore them down
which allowed us to take over the game and never look back.
The first big defensive play of the game came within the first 5 minutes by Ream who made an incredible goal line save. That ended up being just a warm-up for a much bigger save later on.
Trinity scored their only goal 15 minutes into the game on a cross that ended up being headed home. A Trinity forward appeared to be offsides on the play and interfered with Ream's chances of getting his hands on the ball.
A few minutes later, all of Ream's goal kick practice over the weekend quickly paid off as he sent a nice long ball to Jack who was able to head the ball forward. Justin controlled the pass and tied the game on a nice shot that was just out of the reach of their goal keeper. That is 6 assists for Jack in 6 games this season....keep it up man.
Play was even until Trinity was awarded the dreaded PK on a very questionable call on Webb in the box. Ream's familiarity with their penalty kicker pays off big time as he dives right and stops the ball just before it crosses the goal line. That was a huge defensive play and definitely turned the tide for us in the game.
Shortly after that save, Jack was able to draw a foul which set up a freekick within striking distance of their goal. Matt sent a hard shot that was at the perfect height. Their goal keeper was able to get his fingertips on the ball but was unable to keep it from finding the back of the net. Strikers find themselves up 2-1 with 20 minutes left to play into the first half. Right after that Justin was fouled inside their box and we were awarded a PK of our own. O'malley easily finishes which puts us up 3-1 at the half.
With rain moving in the area the second half is basically played in a downpour. The game is called early but not before we are able to add another goal and remove any chance of a Trinity comeback. Justin played a perfect ball across to O'malley who fires a laser beam just inside the near post to notch his second goal of the game.
Major props to the defense again for playing short-handed and to Webb for sacrificing the glory for the good of the team. We have really turned the corner defensively as we have only given up 4 goals in the last 5 games since giving up 6 in game one.
We have 3 games left before the end of the season and are in a good position to finish as one of the top seeds in the playoffs. Our focus going forward should be to continue our strong play and of course avoid any additional yellow cards.
Oct 27th by Trevor
Game 10 Sunday November 1st, Strikers play tough game short hande, missing 7 of 19 players, but pull out the win 1-0 versus Barcelona
- This definitely wasn't the prettiest game we've ever played but under the
circumstances we'll take it . We found ourselves starting the game without
a sub and playing a much younger Barcelona team.
With our backs against the wall, we are forced once again to rely heavily
on our solid defense and goal keeping.
At the start of the game we have just enough players to field a full team and for the first time this year may have had more fans than Strikers show up for the game. After 20 minutes of play, reinforcements arrive as Webb is able to get into the action and provide a much needed sub.
The first half is played scoreless despite both teams creating several scoring opportunities. Too many offside calls against us cripple any chance we had to put a goal on the board.
The second half is back and forth until the last 15 minutes of the game. A Barcelona forward making a run into the box takes a dive in an attempt to draw a PK. The ref, obviously not impressed with his acting skills instead gives him a yellow card. In all the confusion, Barcelona thinks it's their throw-in and the same player who just received the yellow is given a second card for kicking the ball away and delaying the game. This results in a red card for Barcelona and gives Strikers possession of the ball.
Shortly after, with the momentum of now being up a man, Strikers quickly counter-attack and are able move the ball up the field from the defense to the midfield. A ball is played up over the defense to Justin who is able to settle the pass and rip a shot on goal that the keeper is able to stop but not control. The rebound comes right back out to Justin who easily puts it back towards the net and not only scores the only goal of the game but also ties him for the team lead at five.
Ream is his usual self in goal and keeps Barcelona from finding the back of the net earning his second clean sheet of the season.
This was a tough win as we had to battle and scrap the entire game. We play these guys again on Sunday and a win basically guarantees us a spot in the playoffs. It's important everyone that can make the game is there and ready to go.
Again, as a reminder we are dangerously close to reaching 30 penalty points for the year. We need to play these last two games card free.
Nov 3rd by Trevor
Game 3 Makeup Sunday November 8th, Strikers fall behind 3-0 early to shorthanded Barcelona, but battle back for 6-4 win by the final whistle.
- What can you say about this game except that it was definitely bizarre.
Playing a team back to back is never easy but I don't think after last
week's win anyone thought the game would turn out like it did. We had to
dig deep early in the first half in order to stay competitive in this game.
Good job to everyone for not giving up and continuing to play hard even
when things looked bleak.
The first 20 minutes of the game was a nightmare to say the least. Barcelona, starting with only 10 players is able to put up 3 quick goals against our defense. Granted, we were a little shorthanded defensively with Sayles out for the season and Mike out this week, but the breakdowns that occurred in our midfield and defense were definitely unexpected. Maybe we woke up after this debacle but I like to think that our team has a lot of pride. After basically everyone on the team had reason to say "My bad" we manage to recover quickly and start to chip away at their lead.
Webb gets our first goal of the game on a nice assist from Justin. O'malley is able to shred their defense for two more goals in the first half but not without the help of Chuck and Jason who both end up with their first assists of the season. With the game tied 3-3 at the half, the team discussion is to maintain our strong play and to make the necessary personnel adjustments in order to eliminate further scoring opportunities for Barcelona.
Play for the first 25 minutes of the second half is pretty even with both teams putting up a goal each. Justin scores first on a ball sent into the box by Webb that he is able to re-direct off the bounce and past the keeper. Shortly after, Barcelona is able to send a through ball down the middle of the field to their top forward with only Ream to beat.
With time winding down in the second half, O'malley is able to score twice more and tally an incredible four goals for the game. Both assists are from Justin who ends up with three "helpers" for the game.
Barcelona tries to mount a desperate comeback and get back into the game but any attempt to score is eventually turned away by Ream. With the final score of 6-4 we guarantee ourselves a number 2 or 3 seed in the playoffs and likely back to back games against Blitzkrieg. Let's finish the regular season on a strong note and get ready to make a run at the championship T-shirt.
Nov 11th by Trevor
Archive
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Manager Contact Info
- Trevor Czudak
- tczudak@dallasstrikersfc.com
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Captain Contact Info
- Brian Ream: bream@dallasstrikersfc.com
- Jeff Van Houten: jvanhouten@dallasstrikersfc.com