3-2WinOverKenroc
We had a make-up game versus the Kenroc team tonight, under the lights at the Landing Stadium. Temperature was about 0º C, no wind and clear skies. The field was a little crusty and seemed to get crustier as the game went on. Kenroc had a gas-fired patio heater for their spares.
Things started off a little rough, with Kenroc bringing the game to us. Kyle had to make some key saves to keep it at 0-0. Then, about 20 minutes in, Al made a daring back-pass to Bruce in tight traffic at the top of our box. The ball was calmly passed out to the left and run down the field for a dangerous chance. It seemed to be a turning point, as we were more settled and effective after that. Steve was a blue streak on the back line, cleaning up loose balls — and getting physical with a few guys. Justin was flying high, too, challenging the air balls.
It was a great team effort, with everyone playing with grit. Kenroc is a tough and skilled team, and they get tougher when faced with a challenge. We got no cards, but Kenroc got 2 yellows.
Soon, Andrew Overbeek was set up and he drilled a shot in. Late in the half, Al attempted to pass to Sitwala, who was up for a run on the front line. The pass was deflected by a defender and it went into the Kenroc net!
2-0 at the half.
Like in last year's playoff game, Kenroc stretched the boundaries of the field. They went off our end line by about two ball-widths (figures Kyle) and we yelled that it was out, but the ref allowed play to go on. A goal soon went in. Later, a similar thing happened when linesman Garry indicated a Hope throw... but he didn't have the flag unfurled, so the ref allowed play to continue. Thankfully, it didn't turn out badly.
A few minutes after the Kenroc goal, Ryan was sent in ( I believe by Daniel Klop) and he put a low left-footer to the keeper's left corner. Kris (the goalie) dove and got a piece of it, but it hit the post and went in. Beauty.
Kenroc made it 3-2 on a nice shot and the struggle was on, with both teams exchanging chances.
You may have noticed Bruce lining up to do his free kick left-footed... then changing to the right foot, once the wall was formed. He says it works sometimes!
Late in the half, their big midfielder (Shaun?) had a chance at Kyle's right post which I blocked — but the ball came out to the front of the net. Steve went down on his back and got his legs on top of the ball, then Kyle scrambled back and got his hands on it. Kenroc wasn't happy... but hey, we were hanging in there! (In retrospect, I wonder about the legality, as a keeper can't pick up a ball that is controlled to him. It wasn't actually passed to him, though.... If not allowed, it would have been an indirect kick from a few yards out. We could have lined up on the goal line, though, so it would have been tough to get it through.)
Last chance for Kenroc was a couple or three corner kicks in the last minute. On the last one, I stuck to my post and the shot came and hit me in the chest and out. I think Al knocked it to safety and the whistle blew. Phew!
3-2 for us — and we were going nuts, glad-handing everyone on the team! Kyle says this is the first time we have scored 3x in a game.
Thanks for all who came and helped the cause. Sorry for the weird colours on some of these. That light was tough to shoot in. |
Date(s): Jan 21, 2009. Album by Barry Stewart. Photos by Barry Stewart. 1 - 15 of 15 Total. 282 Visits. |
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