2-1 loss, to go with our 3-2 loss to these guys last year. I'd say it was as hard fought as our playoff game vs. Performance Honda last year... at least my body feels about the same — and I'm sure many others are limping around today!

Their #24 was habitually standing offside, early in the game, and was usually getting called. One time he wasn't called and the ensuing play led to a shot, a rebound and in past Kyle.

After the first 10-15 minutes, we got more settled and started to control our passes. Lots of ground work. Al had also prepped the gang to be more aggressive on the ball — and it showed. Lots of contact, but few calls — and no cards for us. Their #24 got a yellow for beaking at the ref.

Before the half, Kyle punted a 50 or 60-yarder and cursed, "No one is within 15 yards of the ball!"

As Kyle turned to walk back to the goal, Andrew Overbeek stepped into the space and bumped the ball around a d-man. The keeper came way out but Andrew knocked a low shot into the center of the net.

Kyle missed the whole play!

Solid effort continued through the second half.

With about 5 minutes to go, Steve and I sandwiched #24 as he carried the ball into the box. He went down in a face plant, perhaps hoping for a penalty shot. He was the one who knocked it out but they got the corner kick... better than a badly called penalty kick, I guess.

#24 put a low kick to the front post. Steve challenged the guy who was going to get the ball and the ball went off Steve's hip. I was on the post but something told me to step out... and the ball spun into the net behind me. (Lesson learned... again!)

Steve was having a "Justin" day: all over the field, slide-tackling and making plays. He got a good chance with about a minute left, but the keeper was equal to it.

Tough loss — but we have 2 weeks to rest up and get some injured players back.

We only had 2-3 subs today. The Arrowsmith's car broke down on the way to the game, so Daniel never arrived. Garry is still nursing a knee problem.