We beat these guys earlier in the season 2-1 with some last minute heroics and they were even tougher yesterday. The ref let the players decide it as he swallowed his whistle – the pics show it.
There was some back n forth early then we wound up with a set play deep in enemy territory. Olman fooled everyone by keep the kick low and on the ground to a waiting Alejandro who effortlessly slid it by their unsuspecting keeper. Good start.
We were in command until golden boots (#2) came down the right side and hit a perfect cross that caught everyone ball watching while their smallest player got to the back post and headed it just under the cross bar. 1-1.
Spirits were still pretty high at the half. That will be the last time I joke about PK’s though. I promise.
Lots of back n forth in the 2nd half. Golden Boots got loose and launched a shot. As I moved to my left it took a deflection and went to my right. Terra got a great shot of me twisting back to somehow get to it.
Our defense held strong – Ryan, Olman, JP and the sorely missed Nick took care of business. While up top Peter was getting killed time and time again when he tried to shake loose. The ref actually called a foul at some point. And Zenit (apparently the set play kings) had a free kick just outside the box. Pete absolutely drilled a shot through the wall that the keeper somehow blocked. Thank God for “right place, right time” Phil – rebound & goal. 2-1.
Well MRL came with everything they had. Our defense was game for the attack…except for that one wittle, itty, bitty time we just could not seem to clear the ball. Golden Boots blocked a clearance and shuffled a pass past our line. Their guy barely touched it by me as I slammed into him. Nick, apparently out of practice on goal line clearances, arrived a tad late to this one. 2-2.
So this war of attrition – inevitably it seems – made it’s way to PK’s. While I lacked the Grey Goose, wet NY street and drunken Irish shooter – I was confident.
Shooter #1 walked up placed the ball and…get this…smiled at me. Based on ball placement and where he lined up I knew he was going to me left, but he still made a show of looking at both corners as he ran up. Whatever, he never had a chance. Pete slammed his home. 1-0.
I wasn’t going to stop the next one even if I went the right way. Top left corner. That’s ok. Olman was next. This guy takes PK’s on me prior to every game and picks now to do his Dejan impression and launch one on to the tennis courts. I knew shooter #3 was going to my right and he hit it perfect just out of my reach. I think Nick was next and he put it away.
Golden Boots walked up. Placed the ball and from his position could only go to my left. He was going to try and bend it close to the post but as the pic shows I was way ahead of the ball. Julio was next but a well timed shout from the MRL faithful distracted him into a shot saved by the GK. #5 took their best shot to my right by the post. Alejandro, as he does in warm up, made his look easy and as their GK walked by me, said “now it get’s interesting.”
Well…you guys made it interesting but it was time to go home. The next guy peeked to my right but lined up a kick to my left. The picture will show you I was diving left prior to the ball even entering the picture. Then One legged Yossi ended it.
Zenit to the Semi’s.
Despite the reporting it was a team effort all around. EVERYBODY had a hand in this one. Whether you played 1 min or 90. We will need you all again next week as it only gets tougher.
Fernando…we held the fort down buddy. Get back soon.
JP…we are going to miss your grit and determination back right. Always cool under pressure I never had to worry about my right. I know it would be quite the commute to get up from SD but my commute is still longer.
