Coach Ventura was quoted at the end of the game as saying, "That was the best half of soccer that these boys have played all season!"
It was quite an exciting game. Our opponents, Hartland Sporting Club, had a full roster. So when they put in substitutions, they brought in 5 fresh players. FIVE! We only had ONE! You boys showed how well conditioned you are by keeping your energy up through the whole game.
Not only did Hartland have a lot of players, they were also very good. They had many, many opportunities to score. But our defense was awesome. Mark made several critical plays. And I think I must have said several times from the sidelines that I thought Ty played the best game I have ever seen him play. Just my opinion. :-}
The half ended 1 to 0 in favor of Hartland. I think all the spectators would agree that the turning point in the second half came when Hayden got a breakaway and looked to be ready to score when he was tackled from behind and ate dirt. He brushed himself off, stayed in and then became a soccer playing animal ! The whole incident seemed to heighten the entire team's determination and energy level. You boys were ON FIRE !
On the sidelines we knew the time was running low. We must have only a few minutes left to the game. Then it happened....dribble, kick pass, Peter shoots for the goal...the ball appears to hit both goal posts and rolls over the line !! The spectators ERUPT in CHEERS!
Back at center field....get focused again. We cannot let them score. Good D. Good D. When the whistle tweeted about 30 seconds after the kickoff, we realized just how close to the end that game saving goal came.
I am not sure any team has been more pleased with a tie than you guys. In a game that seemed an uphill battle, the tie seemed like a win. And in my book, the teamwork and determination displayed by you boys made it a win in my mind.
Cheers and hugs went all around for quite a while after the game. I don't know about any of the other families, but for the rest of the evening one of us would just sigh and say, "That was the most awesome soccer game!"
Great job boys!
We had some tired boys today. The Hamburg coach complimented us on our sportsmanship and amazing energy. Hayden scored his first goal of the season. Peter scored 2 to make a season total of 8.
To read a game summary, click on SCHEDULES then the Hamburg game.
To see our ongoing statistics, click on STANDINGS.
Pictures from the game are on ALBUMS.
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For practice schedules--click on PRACTICES
For maps/directions to away games--click on LOCATIONS
For pictures of practices and games--click on ALBUMS (these are compressed images for the web---if you want a particular picture to reproduce, I can send it to you in raw form which is more clear)
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