We started with one spare, but Doug had something go in his calf muscle early in the game, then we were down to none. This, with a roster of 26.

BUT: we scored in the first minute. The ball went down the left side, Andrew got it out in front of the net where Al B was yelling for it... and it was an easy tap-in.

City had a whole line of spares to throw in and keep the pressure on. Not just 1 or 2 strikers — but a second set of them too, and midfielders. Bruce was outstanding in net, but City had it 2-1 at the half. (At the post-game tailgate beer, City couldn't believe that Bruce wasn't our regular keeper. They also were happy that Steve Topping wasn't there, as he caused them all sorts of trouble last year.)

Early in the second half, Andrew heeled a ball between a City player's legs and Zane picked it up and took it in for his fifth goal of the year. It was a beautiful Sedin-like play.

It was 2-2 for a moment, then City scored — and scored again. They were all good shots... we were just getting picked apart by our tired legs having to deal with the speedy pressure and the volume of shots.

Al came out of midfield to join the back line and send Daniel K. to the middle.

Soon after, we had pressure in their end. They sent it toward the keeper and Daniel picked it off and knocked it in.

City responded with two more late in the game.

A surprisingly clean game, the only yellow coming to our "goon" Sitwala, I believe for (accidentally) kicking Ryan Boorman.