St James 1 - 1 CSSC
The door was wide open but, three stooges style, CSSC could not walk through. In order to make the playoffs the two teams above CSSC in the table BFRAC and Red Devils had to tie, and remarkably they did. Even more fortuitously St James turned up without a full squad and nothing to play for, having already qualified for the post season. Even better, some desperate pleading by management convinced Sean Brown and Stef Fischer to play fast and loose with work to turn up to the game, solidifying their already secure places for team silverware in the season awards.
Tragically, it was not enough. Predictably, it was one way traffic with St James necessarily defending deep and narrow and relying on a very speedy number 22 to do some damage on the counter. CSSC had two glorious first half chances that would have settled what were increasingly jangled nerves. Ian Hudson cut in from the right along the top of the box and rang the underside of the crossbar with a right foot screamer and the rebound bounced a little too awkwardly for Veitch or Wazoo to put home. Then a lovely Gonzales floated cross found Woolford attacking at the far post but his effort to side foot home a one timer sailed over the bar.
In the second half, CSSC did not make their superior numbers tell despite being given the run of the field up to about 10 yards outside the St. James box. Then about 20 minutes from the end - disaster. A long punt down field from the keeper was seized on by dangerous 22 behind the CSSC defence and he slid the ball over an advancing Brown - nobly and capably filling in between the sticks - and into the net. A CSSC offence firing more blanks than a Wild West gun show managed to pull one back courtesy of a brave DeBlonde foray down the middle of the park that resulted in a low roller squeaking under their keeper. Despite actually showing a considerable degree of late desperation they could add no more. Fischer fired in a right foot rocket that was destined for the top near corner but the St James keeper showed shocking agility to literally fly across the goal and palm it away for a corner. It was a save to break hearts. The last kick of the game saw Gonzales tee up Hudson at the top of the box, but his shot was straight down the keeper's throat, which is a location that is unlikely to result in goals. Moral was low as CSSC trudged off to a post season free fall for the first time since joining the league.
On the plus side, unlike almost every team that did make the playoffs, at least we didn't end the season with a loss. It also means that we can spend our fall afternoons relaxing on the couch and pondering whether our NFL picks are going to come good. Those uncertain about the finer points of NFL wagering should consult former CSSC striker Nic Zifarelli or Carl from AquaTeen Hunger Force.
Man of the Match: It was a wretched performance make no mistake. Yet there were two stand outs. Have scientists reversed the ageing process? Stef Fischer's performance week in, week out, suggests that he has access to some sort of miracle anti ageing formula that has yet to be made available to the general public. Despite Fischer's heroics the award goes to returning work horse and the getter of the only goal, Riley DeBlonde.
The door was wide open but, three stooges style, CSSC could not walk through. In order to make the playoffs the two teams above CSSC in the table BFRAC and Red Devils had to tie, and remarkably they did. Even more fortuitously St James turned up without a full squad and nothing to play for, having already qualified for the post season. Even better, some desperate pleading by management convinced Sean Brown and Stef Fischer to play fast and loose with work to turn up to the game, solidifying their already secure places for team silverware in the season awards.
Tragically, it was not enough. Predictably, it was one way traffic with St James necessarily defending deep and narrow and relying on a very speedy number 22 to do some damage on the counter. CSSC had two glorious first half chances that would have settled what were increasingly jangled nerves. Ian Hudson cut in from the right along the top of the box and rang the underside of the crossbar with a right foot screamer and the rebound bounced a little too awkwardly for Veitch or Wazoo to put home. Then a lovely Gonzales floated cross found Woolford attacking at the far post but his effort to side foot home a one timer sailed over the bar.
In the second half, CSSC did not make their superior numbers tell despite being given the run of the field up to about 10 yards outside the St. James box. Then about 20 minutes from the end - disaster. A long punt down field from the keeper was seized on by dangerous 22 behind the CSSC defence and he slid the ball over an advancing Brown - nobly and capably filling in between the sticks - and into the net. A CSSC offence firing more blanks than a Wild West gun show managed to pull one back courtesy of a brave DeBlonde foray down the middle of the park that resulted in a low roller squeaking under their keeper. Despite actually showing a considerable degree of late desperation they could add no more. Fischer fired in a right foot rocket that was destined for the top near corner but the St James keeper showed shocking agility to literally fly across the goal and palm it away for a corner. It was a save to break hearts. The last kick of the game saw Gonzales tee up Hudson at the top of the box, but his shot was straight down the keeper's throat, which is a location that is unlikely to result in goals. Moral was low as CSSC trudged off to a post season free fall for the first time since joining the league.
On the plus side, unlike almost every team that did make the playoffs, at least we didn't end the season with a loss. It also means that we can spend our fall afternoons relaxing on the couch and pondering whether our NFL picks are going to come good. Those uncertain about the finer points of NFL wagering should consult former CSSC striker Nic Zifarelli or Carl from AquaTeen Hunger Force.
Man of the Match: It was a wretched performance make no mistake. Yet there were two stand outs. Have scientists reversed the ageing process? Stef Fischer's performance week in, week out, suggests that he has access to some sort of miracle anti ageing formula that has yet to be made available to the general public. Despite Fischer's heroics the award goes to returning work horse and the getter of the only goal, Riley DeBlonde.
CSSC 6 - 0 Missiles
It's the time of year that dour Scotsman, horse racing afficionado, and reformed socialist Alex Ferguson described as "squeaky bum time," although he was discussing the pressure of winning the league rather than a Winnipeg Jets style battle for the final playoff position in which CSSC finds itself. In an effort to turn around the rapidly dwindling fortunes of the squad, team management gave former CSSC defending legends Pete Hudson and Matt Dryburgh the run of the pre game dressing room to work their talismanic magic.
Apparently, it worked. Despite number one goal getter Eli Robinson and defensive captain Sean Brown going down worryingly early to become yet another number in the overcrowded treatment room, CSSC found a way to finally win. Early on things could have gone either way, but Peyton Veitch volleyed home from inside the box during a mad scramble to ease CSSC in front. The game turned when the Missiles were through clean only to be denied by Aiken pawing the ball onto the post and out in spectacular fashion. Only minutes later Hudson chipped a ball over the Missiles high defensive line for rampaging center midfielder Bob Walden. His breakaway was foiled by the keeper but the ball fell kindly to the following Adam Wazny who calmly walked the ball into the empty net. 2-0 at the half, much to the relief of the CSSC support, half of whom were occupied as a conscripted assistant to run the line.
The Missiles seemed to fade a little in the second half, giving CSSC a fairly unimpeded run out for a four goal explosion. First, Hudson scooped the ball over a square Missiles back four at the top of the box for a streaking (not literally) Chioua. His rocket volley crashed off the underside of the crossbar but bounced back right onto Hudson's forehead with the keeper stranded and he managed not to miss for once. Then, Hudson again lobbed the high Missiles back line for Fernandes to break free and show the rest of CSSC how to finish with a lovely curler into the top corner that left the keeper no chance. The fifth arrived when Ed Gonzales beat the keeper with a long range effort and the sixth when Charaoui, returning from a month at the family villa in Morocco, turned in a driven cross from Kinsella. Remarkably, it should have been more but Hudson, Fischer and Meuwese (regular CSSC followers will note that the last two are actually defenders, giving some indication of the free flowing football that CSSC was playing) could not solve the riddle of the large Missiles keeper when presented with one on one chances.
There's nothing like a return to the victory column to put the team in a positive frame of mind for post match beers and the good times (not quite this good, but close) were really flowing at the Grove where Aiken declared King and Bannatyne's Bronut burger as the winner of Winnipeg's Burger Week.
Man of the Match: Amid considerable, and unfounded, accusations of bias in the MotM voting, one particularly vocal member of CSSC insisted that Ian Hudson be given the award for this game, presumably because he managed to not miss the net in one out of three golden scoring chances.
It's the time of year that dour Scotsman, horse racing afficionado, and reformed socialist Alex Ferguson described as "squeaky bum time," although he was discussing the pressure of winning the league rather than a Winnipeg Jets style battle for the final playoff position in which CSSC finds itself. In an effort to turn around the rapidly dwindling fortunes of the squad, team management gave former CSSC defending legends Pete Hudson and Matt Dryburgh the run of the pre game dressing room to work their talismanic magic.
Apparently, it worked. Despite number one goal getter Eli Robinson and defensive captain Sean Brown going down worryingly early to become yet another number in the overcrowded treatment room, CSSC found a way to finally win. Early on things could have gone either way, but Peyton Veitch volleyed home from inside the box during a mad scramble to ease CSSC in front. The game turned when the Missiles were through clean only to be denied by Aiken pawing the ball onto the post and out in spectacular fashion. Only minutes later Hudson chipped a ball over the Missiles high defensive line for rampaging center midfielder Bob Walden. His breakaway was foiled by the keeper but the ball fell kindly to the following Adam Wazny who calmly walked the ball into the empty net. 2-0 at the half, much to the relief of the CSSC support, half of whom were occupied as a conscripted assistant to run the line.
The Missiles seemed to fade a little in the second half, giving CSSC a fairly unimpeded run out for a four goal explosion. First, Hudson scooped the ball over a square Missiles back four at the top of the box for a streaking (not literally) Chioua. His rocket volley crashed off the underside of the crossbar but bounced back right onto Hudson's forehead with the keeper stranded and he managed not to miss for once. Then, Hudson again lobbed the high Missiles back line for Fernandes to break free and show the rest of CSSC how to finish with a lovely curler into the top corner that left the keeper no chance. The fifth arrived when Ed Gonzales beat the keeper with a long range effort and the sixth when Charaoui, returning from a month at the family villa in Morocco, turned in a driven cross from Kinsella. Remarkably, it should have been more but Hudson, Fischer and Meuwese (regular CSSC followers will note that the last two are actually defenders, giving some indication of the free flowing football that CSSC was playing) could not solve the riddle of the large Missiles keeper when presented with one on one chances.
There's nothing like a return to the victory column to put the team in a positive frame of mind for post match beers and the good times (not quite this good, but close) were really flowing at the Grove where Aiken declared King and Bannatyne's Bronut burger as the winner of Winnipeg's Burger Week.
Man of the Match: Amid considerable, and unfounded, accusations of bias in the MotM voting, one particularly vocal member of CSSC insisted that Ian Hudson be given the award for this game, presumably because he managed to not miss the net in one out of three golden scoring chances.
CSSC 0 - 3 Polonia
In CSSC's effort to halt its record setting losing streak and squeak into the playoffs, the the team sheet did not make for optimistic reading for the assembled fans at Vince Leah on an unseasonably warm September 1. Eli Robinson was unable to attend due to a last minute work engagement and Riley DeBlonde, listed as a game time decision, limped off within minutes of the start with what the team physio would describe only as a "middle body injury." Not only did this take two of CSSC's hardest runners out the line up but it reduced the size of the bench from an ideal 4 to an exhaustion inducing 2.
Without its two stars CSSC was under the kosh for most of the first half. The Polonia keeper did have to tip a dangerous Fischer free kick out of the top corner, but other than that, little of offensive threat was offered by the men in CSSC green. The traffic was mostly the other way. However, despite giving up considerable ground, CSSC lost the game Lemony Snickets style. First, the ref awarded a dubious penalty when the ball brushed sweeper Sean Brown's arm while he was on the ground. Second, after finally putting together some sustained pressure deep in the Polonia half, CSSC tried to make a long pass back to its last defender to hold possession, unaware of a lurking white shirted attacker who latched onto the pass and slotted home his gift wrapped breakaway. Third, a lengthy Andrew Woolford back pass somehow managed to nestle in the corner of CSSC's net for an own goal of highlight reel comedy or tragedy, depending on your point of view.
That was pretty much the match. Polonia appeared to take their foot off the gas in the second half, saving their energy on a roasting day. The reduced pace of the game suited a sluggish CSSC, who strung more passes together, but lacked the final telling ball, or on the occasions that the pass was inch perfect, the final touch was not there. This is not to suggest that there was no effort. If you had wrung out the collective sweat collected in Woolford, Kinsella and Fischer's jerseys, it would have flooded the Vince Leah community club. Manager John Loxley has the squad watching his beloved Sheffield Wednesday's highlight reel goal in an effort to have CSSC recall where its shooting boots have been mislaid. If that doesn't work, the squad might think of taking up a more sedate sport.
The only bright spot on the evening was the delicious free pizza at Santa Lucia on Main accompanied by Fernandes' official cop advice on how many beers you can drink before you hit the legal limit - it's 3 - and Riley DeBlonde's controversial assertion that the best movie ever was Jurassic Park.
Man of the Match: One tragic pass aside, it should probably again by Fischer, who not only defended like a titan, but created CSSC's best scoring chances by surging forward from center back. However, he was man of the match last game, and there was that pass. So the award goes to manager John Loxley, whose welcome return to the bench may not have turned the result but it did bring much more calm and collection to the CSSC side line.
In CSSC's effort to halt its record setting losing streak and squeak into the playoffs, the the team sheet did not make for optimistic reading for the assembled fans at Vince Leah on an unseasonably warm September 1. Eli Robinson was unable to attend due to a last minute work engagement and Riley DeBlonde, listed as a game time decision, limped off within minutes of the start with what the team physio would describe only as a "middle body injury." Not only did this take two of CSSC's hardest runners out the line up but it reduced the size of the bench from an ideal 4 to an exhaustion inducing 2.
Without its two stars CSSC was under the kosh for most of the first half. The Polonia keeper did have to tip a dangerous Fischer free kick out of the top corner, but other than that, little of offensive threat was offered by the men in CSSC green. The traffic was mostly the other way. However, despite giving up considerable ground, CSSC lost the game Lemony Snickets style. First, the ref awarded a dubious penalty when the ball brushed sweeper Sean Brown's arm while he was on the ground. Second, after finally putting together some sustained pressure deep in the Polonia half, CSSC tried to make a long pass back to its last defender to hold possession, unaware of a lurking white shirted attacker who latched onto the pass and slotted home his gift wrapped breakaway. Third, a lengthy Andrew Woolford back pass somehow managed to nestle in the corner of CSSC's net for an own goal of highlight reel comedy or tragedy, depending on your point of view.
That was pretty much the match. Polonia appeared to take their foot off the gas in the second half, saving their energy on a roasting day. The reduced pace of the game suited a sluggish CSSC, who strung more passes together, but lacked the final telling ball, or on the occasions that the pass was inch perfect, the final touch was not there. This is not to suggest that there was no effort. If you had wrung out the collective sweat collected in Woolford, Kinsella and Fischer's jerseys, it would have flooded the Vince Leah community club. Manager John Loxley has the squad watching his beloved Sheffield Wednesday's highlight reel goal in an effort to have CSSC recall where its shooting boots have been mislaid. If that doesn't work, the squad might think of taking up a more sedate sport.
The only bright spot on the evening was the delicious free pizza at Santa Lucia on Main accompanied by Fernandes' official cop advice on how many beers you can drink before you hit the legal limit - it's 3 - and Riley DeBlonde's controversial assertion that the best movie ever was Jurassic Park.
Man of the Match: One tragic pass aside, it should probably again by Fischer, who not only defended like a titan, but created CSSC's best scoring chances by surging forward from center back. However, he was man of the match last game, and there was that pass. So the award goes to manager John Loxley, whose welcome return to the bench may not have turned the result but it did bring much more calm and collection to the CSSC side line.
CSSC 1 - 2 Red Devils
CSSC welcomed back world travellers Kamal Chioua and Riley DeBlonde, from Morocco and Germany respectively, for a much needed injection of pace into the line up for this battle for the final playoff positions in the 6th division. It looked like it might be a goal festival. CSSC was without its usual keeper, forcing Bob Walden into the nets to show that he's not just quick like a cat in practice. The Red Devil's keeper was also sporting a pinney and had trouble catching the ball, two reasonable clues in rec soccer that the other team's keeper hasn't made it to the early morning game.
Things couldn't have started out any better. Early CSSC pressure was rewarded when an attempt to clear a dangerous Colin Kinsella inswinging corner was driven off an alert Chioua and into the back of the Red Devil's net. Minutes later Peyton Veitch got free down the right flank and delivered a delightful cross right on Chioua's melon yards out of a gaping goal, but he only managed to head wide. All season we've been begging him to splash out for some contacts, but he loves those glasses. CSSC was punished midway through the half when a sloppy defensive clearance from Hudson was gobbled up by the Devils allowing them to advance the ball into the CSSC box where their tricky midfielder turned his defender and bent the ball into the top corner.
In the second half an increasingly tired looking CSSC had a great deal of trouble getting the ball from the Devils who were using their wide backs to push the play down the flanks and whose centre mids were showing a nice pass and move game. However, thanks to some wayward finishing and brave keeping from a black shirted Walden, the game looked destined for a draw until yet another ball in the CSSC box took the kind of outrageous bounce only possible from a tightly spinning ball hitting artificial turf. Of course, it hit a CSSC defenders arm. Despite the fact that no human could have anticipated that bounce and the defenders' arm was nailed to his side a penalty was given and duly dispatched. With only minutes to salvage something CSSC did pour forward and almost snatched an equalizer when a cross/shot hit the bar and Andrew Woolford, marauding up from his left back position, couldn't turn in the rebound from a tight angle. Walden even rushed up for a last second corner but his shot from the top of the box arrowed wide. Game over. It's a good thing that CSSC is bad at maths because the probabilities of a post season birth don't bear examining too closely.
Man of the Match: In a game where CSSC looked a bit lead footed - slow to show for each other and second to most balls, Stef Fischer had a fantastic game. Like the Exorcist Fischer waged a one man battle against a legion of Devils and banished each new attack time after time.
CSSC welcomed back world travellers Kamal Chioua and Riley DeBlonde, from Morocco and Germany respectively, for a much needed injection of pace into the line up for this battle for the final playoff positions in the 6th division. It looked like it might be a goal festival. CSSC was without its usual keeper, forcing Bob Walden into the nets to show that he's not just quick like a cat in practice. The Red Devil's keeper was also sporting a pinney and had trouble catching the ball, two reasonable clues in rec soccer that the other team's keeper hasn't made it to the early morning game.
Things couldn't have started out any better. Early CSSC pressure was rewarded when an attempt to clear a dangerous Colin Kinsella inswinging corner was driven off an alert Chioua and into the back of the Red Devil's net. Minutes later Peyton Veitch got free down the right flank and delivered a delightful cross right on Chioua's melon yards out of a gaping goal, but he only managed to head wide. All season we've been begging him to splash out for some contacts, but he loves those glasses. CSSC was punished midway through the half when a sloppy defensive clearance from Hudson was gobbled up by the Devils allowing them to advance the ball into the CSSC box where their tricky midfielder turned his defender and bent the ball into the top corner.
In the second half an increasingly tired looking CSSC had a great deal of trouble getting the ball from the Devils who were using their wide backs to push the play down the flanks and whose centre mids were showing a nice pass and move game. However, thanks to some wayward finishing and brave keeping from a black shirted Walden, the game looked destined for a draw until yet another ball in the CSSC box took the kind of outrageous bounce only possible from a tightly spinning ball hitting artificial turf. Of course, it hit a CSSC defenders arm. Despite the fact that no human could have anticipated that bounce and the defenders' arm was nailed to his side a penalty was given and duly dispatched. With only minutes to salvage something CSSC did pour forward and almost snatched an equalizer when a cross/shot hit the bar and Andrew Woolford, marauding up from his left back position, couldn't turn in the rebound from a tight angle. Walden even rushed up for a last second corner but his shot from the top of the box arrowed wide. Game over. It's a good thing that CSSC is bad at maths because the probabilities of a post season birth don't bear examining too closely.
Man of the Match: In a game where CSSC looked a bit lead footed - slow to show for each other and second to most balls, Stef Fischer had a fantastic game. Like the Exorcist Fischer waged a one man battle against a legion of Devils and banished each new attack time after time.
CSSC 0 - 1 Mobb
Moral victories anyone? CSSC went into this contest on the back of three straight losses, all of which were of the more than usually disappointing variety in that they were either a firm trouncing or a loss to a team well below them in the standings. The gains and losses to the line up were fairly evenly balanced. We lost Stef Fischer to family vacation fun and Wazoo to an Intersteller Rodeo, which sounds a bit like a made up excuse, but gained back Matt Loxley to anchor down the mid field. However, CSSC shortages continued to plague the squad, forcing the call up of Jerome and Moustafa from Les Bleus who did a fantastic job bolstering the depleted line up.
Like the previous game, CSSC started off all thrilling, but unfulfilled, promise. Loxley burst through the center of midfield and laid a ball into the path of target man Eli Robinson right at the top of the six yard box, but under pressure from the converging Mobb he fired high. Then an inviting far post cross by Rick Penner was nodded just wide from a few feet out by Ed Gonzales. After that the game settled in to a pattern you might expect when the first placed team is taking on one from rather further down the table. CSSC defended tenaciously but struggled to hold the ball and relieve the pressure. However, the score was level at the half mostly thanks to Aiken stretching to turn a close range header destined for the top corner past the post.
The second half was more of the same, but CSSC was holding Mobb to mostly long range chances until their speedy number 23 picked up the ball at midfield, strode past a few CSSC challenges and unleashed an unstoppable 25 yard pile driver in off the post. No one in the world was going to stop that. Despite CSSC being a goal down, the closest they could come to evening the scores saw the Mobb keeper tip a looping Robinson header over the bar during a massive bit of head tennis following a corner. The real drama toward the end of the game came at the other end when Rick Penner was fouled trying valiantly to make a defensive clearance. In response to getting a good booting he bounced off the ground and took the Lord's name in vain, a bit of blasphemy that caused great offence to an increasingly angry Mobb side. Someone should have pointed out that Rick's mild bit of cursing was nothing compared to what Barcelona greats find to be acceptable on field banter.
Man of the Match: The entire CSSC back line of Sewart, Walden, Champagne, and Woolford played like heroes, and anyone of them could have won the award, but the prize goes to the man that organized them, while forming an absolute brick wall of a last line of defence, sweeper Sean Brown.
Moral victories anyone? CSSC went into this contest on the back of three straight losses, all of which were of the more than usually disappointing variety in that they were either a firm trouncing or a loss to a team well below them in the standings. The gains and losses to the line up were fairly evenly balanced. We lost Stef Fischer to family vacation fun and Wazoo to an Intersteller Rodeo, which sounds a bit like a made up excuse, but gained back Matt Loxley to anchor down the mid field. However, CSSC shortages continued to plague the squad, forcing the call up of Jerome and Moustafa from Les Bleus who did a fantastic job bolstering the depleted line up.
Like the previous game, CSSC started off all thrilling, but unfulfilled, promise. Loxley burst through the center of midfield and laid a ball into the path of target man Eli Robinson right at the top of the six yard box, but under pressure from the converging Mobb he fired high. Then an inviting far post cross by Rick Penner was nodded just wide from a few feet out by Ed Gonzales. After that the game settled in to a pattern you might expect when the first placed team is taking on one from rather further down the table. CSSC defended tenaciously but struggled to hold the ball and relieve the pressure. However, the score was level at the half mostly thanks to Aiken stretching to turn a close range header destined for the top corner past the post.
The second half was more of the same, but CSSC was holding Mobb to mostly long range chances until their speedy number 23 picked up the ball at midfield, strode past a few CSSC challenges and unleashed an unstoppable 25 yard pile driver in off the post. No one in the world was going to stop that. Despite CSSC being a goal down, the closest they could come to evening the scores saw the Mobb keeper tip a looping Robinson header over the bar during a massive bit of head tennis following a corner. The real drama toward the end of the game came at the other end when Rick Penner was fouled trying valiantly to make a defensive clearance. In response to getting a good booting he bounced off the ground and took the Lord's name in vain, a bit of blasphemy that caused great offence to an increasingly angry Mobb side. Someone should have pointed out that Rick's mild bit of cursing was nothing compared to what Barcelona greats find to be acceptable on field banter.
Man of the Match: The entire CSSC back line of Sewart, Walden, Champagne, and Woolford played like heroes, and anyone of them could have won the award, but the prize goes to the man that organized them, while forming an absolute brick wall of a last line of defence, sweeper Sean Brown.
Inter 3 - 1 CSSC
It's not everyday that CSSC welcomes a 10 pm kickoff but given the blistering 32 degree daytime high, the late night start was probably a good thing. This was especially true since Inter boasted a strong four person bench while all CSSC could muster was three subs, two of whom were carrying injuries. Was this a better or worse performance than the previous 3-1 loss? On one hand Inter is a much better team than Sparta, with three lively strikers. On the other, CSSC was outplayed in this contest.
Things might have started out much more brightly. A low CSSC cross was not so much laid on a plate for Peyton Veitch, but presented with all the fixins, when a defender more or less stopped the ball on the six yard box for Veitch to run on to and score, but his effort didn't really trouble the keeper. Soon after Inter took the lead when a ball over the top to their right midfielder was not tracked particularly well and the low cross was turned into the CSSC net past Aiken. The trend continued in the second half. A cleared CSSC corner led to a fast Inter break the length of the field and their two forwards managed to elude the two CSSC defenders to make it 2-0. The third arrived when CSSC turned the ball over trying to play out of the back and the Inter striker made them pay with a well taken low drive that went in at the near post. Some measure of respectability was restored when Wazoo stripped an Inter defender deep and fed Robinson in space at the top of the box and he smashed a nice shot into the top of the net. Not that this led to a spirited come back or anything. Don't say the S word but three in a row is starting to become worrying.
Man of the Match: In yet another "best of a bad bunch" selection, Adam Wazoo Wazny put a strong shift up front closing down defenders, making some intelligent passes, and laying on our only goal. On the other hand he's missing the next game because he has to attend some fancy gala for the Intersteller Rodeo. So that's a strike against.
It's not everyday that CSSC welcomes a 10 pm kickoff but given the blistering 32 degree daytime high, the late night start was probably a good thing. This was especially true since Inter boasted a strong four person bench while all CSSC could muster was three subs, two of whom were carrying injuries. Was this a better or worse performance than the previous 3-1 loss? On one hand Inter is a much better team than Sparta, with three lively strikers. On the other, CSSC was outplayed in this contest.
Things might have started out much more brightly. A low CSSC cross was not so much laid on a plate for Peyton Veitch, but presented with all the fixins, when a defender more or less stopped the ball on the six yard box for Veitch to run on to and score, but his effort didn't really trouble the keeper. Soon after Inter took the lead when a ball over the top to their right midfielder was not tracked particularly well and the low cross was turned into the CSSC net past Aiken. The trend continued in the second half. A cleared CSSC corner led to a fast Inter break the length of the field and their two forwards managed to elude the two CSSC defenders to make it 2-0. The third arrived when CSSC turned the ball over trying to play out of the back and the Inter striker made them pay with a well taken low drive that went in at the near post. Some measure of respectability was restored when Wazoo stripped an Inter defender deep and fed Robinson in space at the top of the box and he smashed a nice shot into the top of the net. Not that this led to a spirited come back or anything. Don't say the S word but three in a row is starting to become worrying.
Man of the Match: In yet another "best of a bad bunch" selection, Adam Wazoo Wazny put a strong shift up front closing down defenders, making some intelligent passes, and laying on our only goal. On the other hand he's missing the next game because he has to attend some fancy gala for the Intersteller Rodeo. So that's a strike against.
Sparta 3 - 1 CSSC
CSSC's reliance on absentees Riley DeBlonde (injured) and Eli Robinson (fishin' at the old Scuttlebutt Lodge) was reinforced by this shocking loss against a Sparta side that had yet to put a tick in the victory column prior to this game. Things started out brightly enough. Kamal raced on to an I. Hudson through ball behind a high defensive line only to hammer an absolute rocket straight at the keeper. He made amends by latching on to a lovely Loxley chip over the top, rounding the last defender and slotting home at the near post. He could have had three, but when Hudson put him through a third time a no doubt totally exhausted Kamal elected to shoot from the top of the box and the keeper managed to claim.
Then things fell apart faster than human kindness during a boxing day blow out. It was set pieces that were CSSC's undoing, giving up one header off a flicked on free kick and another from a far post corner. Sparta's third arrived just after the start of the second half when their centre back smashed a 25 yard one timer past a shocked Figueroa in the CSSC goal. He will never, ever hit that shot again, but it was a highlight reel effort.
Despite the fact that CSSC had probably 80% of the ball in the second half, they didn't have much cutting edge in the final third. It would be impossible to count the number of wayward long range shots and crosses cut out by a quite capable keeper. Even when chances did present themselves they were not placed where the ball needs to go for teams to win. The two best chances were a penalty shot that crashed off the crossbar and another close range miss from Peyton Veitch after a tasty lay off from Ed Gonzales.
No one could fault CSSC's effort, but their application was worthy of stringing up the lot of them.
Man of the Match: Ed Gonzales was the only CSSC player to really emerge with any credit, but for this cringe worthy loss no one pulling on the green CSSC jersey gets any reward. Those trying to drown out the bitter taste of an ugly defeat on the luxurious pavement patio at the North Main Santa Lucia decided that Ed's Dad's willingness to good naturedly sit in the stands through two wretched performances in a row deserves the award. As a prize, next game we'll actually try to get forward a bit more, as he is constantly begging us to do.
CSSC's reliance on absentees Riley DeBlonde (injured) and Eli Robinson (fishin' at the old Scuttlebutt Lodge) was reinforced by this shocking loss against a Sparta side that had yet to put a tick in the victory column prior to this game. Things started out brightly enough. Kamal raced on to an I. Hudson through ball behind a high defensive line only to hammer an absolute rocket straight at the keeper. He made amends by latching on to a lovely Loxley chip over the top, rounding the last defender and slotting home at the near post. He could have had three, but when Hudson put him through a third time a no doubt totally exhausted Kamal elected to shoot from the top of the box and the keeper managed to claim.
Then things fell apart faster than human kindness during a boxing day blow out. It was set pieces that were CSSC's undoing, giving up one header off a flicked on free kick and another from a far post corner. Sparta's third arrived just after the start of the second half when their centre back smashed a 25 yard one timer past a shocked Figueroa in the CSSC goal. He will never, ever hit that shot again, but it was a highlight reel effort.
Despite the fact that CSSC had probably 80% of the ball in the second half, they didn't have much cutting edge in the final third. It would be impossible to count the number of wayward long range shots and crosses cut out by a quite capable keeper. Even when chances did present themselves they were not placed where the ball needs to go for teams to win. The two best chances were a penalty shot that crashed off the crossbar and another close range miss from Peyton Veitch after a tasty lay off from Ed Gonzales.
No one could fault CSSC's effort, but their application was worthy of stringing up the lot of them.
Man of the Match: Ed Gonzales was the only CSSC player to really emerge with any credit, but for this cringe worthy loss no one pulling on the green CSSC jersey gets any reward. Those trying to drown out the bitter taste of an ugly defeat on the luxurious pavement patio at the North Main Santa Lucia decided that Ed's Dad's willingness to good naturedly sit in the stands through two wretched performances in a row deserves the award. As a prize, next game we'll actually try to get forward a bit more, as he is constantly begging us to do.
Elmwood 6 - 0 CSSC
That is not a misprint. On reflection, the result of this devastatingly disappointing contest could be read in the many emails sent to beleaguered manager Ian Hudson with excuses about why people couldn't make the game. It must be holiday time. Without R. DeBlonde, E. Robinson, M. Loxley, S. Fischer, M. Meuwese, B. Walden, first string keeper C. Aiken and even number 2 keeper H. Figueroa (many of whom will feature very prominently in the season MVP balloting) it was panic stations. Thank God K. Chioua not only responded to the plea to skiv off work to come to the game, but dragged with him two guest players who were much needed.
The less written about the game the better. Things started to slide when I. Hudson, who should know much better, was caught dribbling out of defense, presenting the Elmwood striker with a gift scoring chance that he slotted into the far corner. It all went down hill from there, with many goals going in the wrong goal, disorganized defending, uninspired attacking and wayward passing. Elmwood looks like a solid side though. They've got a hard working, talented midfield that put CSSC's engine room to shame. To make matters worse, this abysmal display was witnessed by 2013 CSSC Hard Man Award Winner Mark Hudson whose knee injury has kept him out for the season. Such abject capitulation would never have happened with him on the pitch.
Man of the Match: Obviously it should be someone on Elmwood and their orange shoed central midfielder would have been a neutral's choice. Credit also to the CSSC fan base who actually managed to see this horror show out without a word of protest or early exit. Less forgiving fans would have lit their replica shirts on fire and thrown them at the player closest to them. And deservedly so. On the field the only real choice would be Kamal's friend Dylan who, unlike the rest of the squad, actually looked like he had a passing familiarity with a soccer ball and where it should be rolled.
That is not a misprint. On reflection, the result of this devastatingly disappointing contest could be read in the many emails sent to beleaguered manager Ian Hudson with excuses about why people couldn't make the game. It must be holiday time. Without R. DeBlonde, E. Robinson, M. Loxley, S. Fischer, M. Meuwese, B. Walden, first string keeper C. Aiken and even number 2 keeper H. Figueroa (many of whom will feature very prominently in the season MVP balloting) it was panic stations. Thank God K. Chioua not only responded to the plea to skiv off work to come to the game, but dragged with him two guest players who were much needed.
The less written about the game the better. Things started to slide when I. Hudson, who should know much better, was caught dribbling out of defense, presenting the Elmwood striker with a gift scoring chance that he slotted into the far corner. It all went down hill from there, with many goals going in the wrong goal, disorganized defending, uninspired attacking and wayward passing. Elmwood looks like a solid side though. They've got a hard working, talented midfield that put CSSC's engine room to shame. To make matters worse, this abysmal display was witnessed by 2013 CSSC Hard Man Award Winner Mark Hudson whose knee injury has kept him out for the season. Such abject capitulation would never have happened with him on the pitch.
Man of the Match: Obviously it should be someone on Elmwood and their orange shoed central midfielder would have been a neutral's choice. Credit also to the CSSC fan base who actually managed to see this horror show out without a word of protest or early exit. Less forgiving fans would have lit their replica shirts on fire and thrown them at the player closest to them. And deservedly so. On the field the only real choice would be Kamal's friend Dylan who, unlike the rest of the squad, actually looked like he had a passing familiarity with a soccer ball and where it should be rolled.
BFR 2 - 3 CSSC
Could it be hotter? It could not. At 2:00 the humidex sat at a comfortable 40 degrees as CSSC strode out into the literal waves of heat scorching off the plastic turf and black rubber of Waverly and Wilkes. It was the kind of heat that makes people of a certain age think back to a pre Ironic Alanis. "Always too hot. Never too cold." Somewhere music afficianado Andrew Woolord is cringing.
The game was really determined by a quick glance at the substitutes bench. CSSC boasted a strong five spares compared to BFR's none. Possession in the roasting sun predictably favored the team with the subs. However, both CSSC goals in the first half had a strong whiff of fortune. First, a rampaging Eli Robinson charged down a keeper clearance that bounced slowly into the unguarded net. Second, Charaf's intended cross sailed over a stranded keeper and into the goal. BFR pegged one back when CSSC turned the ball over deep in its own half and a dangerous low cross was turned in at the far post. CSSC added some insurance when Wazoo nodded a pin point Robinson cross into the top corner. Unlike most insurance, Wazoo's goal actually proved useful when one of BFR's speedy forwards got behind a square CSSC backline to slide past a stranded Aiken.
The game shouldn't have been quite this close. CSSC's conversion rate was worryingly low. Recounting every single squandered chance would take a War and Peace sized entry, but a few were worth highlighting. Returning veteran I. Hudson had actually managed to nutmeg a defender and cut the ball back to Charaf in acres of space in the center of goal about eight yards out, but the keeper made an acrobatic save to deny the chance. I. Hudson had his own wretched moment when Robinson played him clear through but he only had eyes for the massive form of the advancing keeper and shot straight at him. It wouldn't have been quite as painful if Hudson's follow up low cross had been turned into the wide open net from two yards out rather than onto the crossbar by Peyton Veitch. An optimist might claim that at least CSSC made chances.
Man of the Match: Tough to say really. With BRF's understandable exhaustion CSSC had the time to make nice passes and mostly avoid mistakes so everyone looked pretty reasonable. So let's go with Mr. Game Winning Goal Adam Wazoo Wazny. Unlike Woolford, he is absolutely loving Alanis. Queen of Winterlude.
Could it be hotter? It could not. At 2:00 the humidex sat at a comfortable 40 degrees as CSSC strode out into the literal waves of heat scorching off the plastic turf and black rubber of Waverly and Wilkes. It was the kind of heat that makes people of a certain age think back to a pre Ironic Alanis. "Always too hot. Never too cold." Somewhere music afficianado Andrew Woolord is cringing.
The game was really determined by a quick glance at the substitutes bench. CSSC boasted a strong five spares compared to BFR's none. Possession in the roasting sun predictably favored the team with the subs. However, both CSSC goals in the first half had a strong whiff of fortune. First, a rampaging Eli Robinson charged down a keeper clearance that bounced slowly into the unguarded net. Second, Charaf's intended cross sailed over a stranded keeper and into the goal. BFR pegged one back when CSSC turned the ball over deep in its own half and a dangerous low cross was turned in at the far post. CSSC added some insurance when Wazoo nodded a pin point Robinson cross into the top corner. Unlike most insurance, Wazoo's goal actually proved useful when one of BFR's speedy forwards got behind a square CSSC backline to slide past a stranded Aiken.
The game shouldn't have been quite this close. CSSC's conversion rate was worryingly low. Recounting every single squandered chance would take a War and Peace sized entry, but a few were worth highlighting. Returning veteran I. Hudson had actually managed to nutmeg a defender and cut the ball back to Charaf in acres of space in the center of goal about eight yards out, but the keeper made an acrobatic save to deny the chance. I. Hudson had his own wretched moment when Robinson played him clear through but he only had eyes for the massive form of the advancing keeper and shot straight at him. It wouldn't have been quite as painful if Hudson's follow up low cross had been turned into the wide open net from two yards out rather than onto the crossbar by Peyton Veitch. An optimist might claim that at least CSSC made chances.
Man of the Match: Tough to say really. With BRF's understandable exhaustion CSSC had the time to make nice passes and mostly avoid mistakes so everyone looked pretty reasonable. So let's go with Mr. Game Winning Goal Adam Wazoo Wazny. Unlike Woolford, he is absolutely loving Alanis. Queen of Winterlude.
Missles 1 - 3 CSSC
FIFA may be the most corrupt organization this side of the International Olympic Committee, but at least a few dollars in the gigantic briefcase of filthy lucre managed to trickle its way down to a lovely new field for the Winnipeg soccer community to enjoy. What it lacks in changing rooms, showers or sufficiently high fences behind the goals it makes up for in floodlights and quality turf.
Despite the fact that the Missles were under strength and languishing at the undesirable end of the table, they have some reasonable players and an excellent attitude. CSSC dominated the first half, smoothly driven forward by the centre midfield pairing of DeBlonde and Kinsella. The first goal came early when a Fischer through ball sent Kamal Chioua, fresh off receiving a fancy award from his high school for athletics and academics, sprinting behind the Missile back line. His touch to round the keeper took him wide of the goal, but his driven cross was turned in by an unfortunate defender. An own goal really, but Kamal was really lobbying for that extra G in his stats column. The second came when DeBlonde sent a cutting low cross to the far post that Robinson turned in. The third when Chioua turned in a near post cross. Such was CSSC's first half dominance that there could have been many more. Wazoo drilled in to the side netting when clear through and Matt Brett had a one timer tipped over the bar.
DeBlonde and Kinsella limped off at the half forcing CSSC's Robinson and Brett away from the favoured positions and into the centre of the midfield. The second half was not quite the success of the first. Whether it was CSSC's innate desire for equality in all things that resulted in taking the foot off the gas or the fact that the Missles simply outplayed us, the second half score was Missles 1, CSSC 0. Despite the somewhat lacklustre performance, CSSC could have scored a bucket of goals to counter Missles close range tap in. There were a couple of posts, Robinson and Chioua couldn't add to their totals when clean through. Most memorably, Peyton Veitch continued his season long almost-man saga of getting in great positions and then missing sitters when he tapped a rebound wide when confronted with nothing but the billowing twine of a wide open net. It was a win but the sentiment about the performance was nicely summarized by astute coach John Loxley who politely suggested that injured captain and stand in bench boss Ian Hudson might make at least some effort to, "sort this mess out" about 60 minutes into the game. But Hudson was too busy collecting wayward shots from the other side of the fence to concentrate on anything as complicated as tactics.
Man of the Match: It should probably be someone on the Missles, their keeper certainly had a strong game. However, this is a CSSC website, so we'll give the award to one of our own. Chioua pilfered one goal and forced another OG. His speed and aggression was one of the positive things for CSSC on this night, so we'll add to the summer of silverware for this man of many talents with man of the match.
FIFA may be the most corrupt organization this side of the International Olympic Committee, but at least a few dollars in the gigantic briefcase of filthy lucre managed to trickle its way down to a lovely new field for the Winnipeg soccer community to enjoy. What it lacks in changing rooms, showers or sufficiently high fences behind the goals it makes up for in floodlights and quality turf.
Despite the fact that the Missles were under strength and languishing at the undesirable end of the table, they have some reasonable players and an excellent attitude. CSSC dominated the first half, smoothly driven forward by the centre midfield pairing of DeBlonde and Kinsella. The first goal came early when a Fischer through ball sent Kamal Chioua, fresh off receiving a fancy award from his high school for athletics and academics, sprinting behind the Missile back line. His touch to round the keeper took him wide of the goal, but his driven cross was turned in by an unfortunate defender. An own goal really, but Kamal was really lobbying for that extra G in his stats column. The second came when DeBlonde sent a cutting low cross to the far post that Robinson turned in. The third when Chioua turned in a near post cross. Such was CSSC's first half dominance that there could have been many more. Wazoo drilled in to the side netting when clear through and Matt Brett had a one timer tipped over the bar.
DeBlonde and Kinsella limped off at the half forcing CSSC's Robinson and Brett away from the favoured positions and into the centre of the midfield. The second half was not quite the success of the first. Whether it was CSSC's innate desire for equality in all things that resulted in taking the foot off the gas or the fact that the Missles simply outplayed us, the second half score was Missles 1, CSSC 0. Despite the somewhat lacklustre performance, CSSC could have scored a bucket of goals to counter Missles close range tap in. There were a couple of posts, Robinson and Chioua couldn't add to their totals when clean through. Most memorably, Peyton Veitch continued his season long almost-man saga of getting in great positions and then missing sitters when he tapped a rebound wide when confronted with nothing but the billowing twine of a wide open net. It was a win but the sentiment about the performance was nicely summarized by astute coach John Loxley who politely suggested that injured captain and stand in bench boss Ian Hudson might make at least some effort to, "sort this mess out" about 60 minutes into the game. But Hudson was too busy collecting wayward shots from the other side of the fence to concentrate on anything as complicated as tactics.
Man of the Match: It should probably be someone on the Missles, their keeper certainly had a strong game. However, this is a CSSC website, so we'll give the award to one of our own. Chioua pilfered one goal and forced another OG. His speed and aggression was one of the positive things for CSSC on this night, so we'll add to the summer of silverware for this man of many talents with man of the match.
CSSC 0 - 1 Red Devils
In retrospect, it should have been clear that CSSC took preparations for this game not too serious. Several members of the team, probably inspired by the gorgeous summer weather, were absent and the injured team captain was even out on a camping-trip. Revealing was also that Andrew Woolford arrived at the game and freely admitted to having consumed two alcoholic beverages. For these reasons, CSSC did not start out too strongly although the Red Devils were not able to create many real chances either. The one time that they did break through, goaltender Chris Aiken made a heroic save. Because of the punishing heat CSSC did make a few line-up changes for the second half but this turned out to be a great mistake. The Red Devils frequently cut through the left side and soon scored. Meanwhile, the offensive line up had an off-day. Top-scorer Eli Robinson unfortunately missed a great chance after a very nice build-up from our half. The growing frustration of the offensive players was exemplified by Eli having several animated conversations with the ref, Charaf having very frank discussions with his team-mates, and Kamal accumulating yet another yellow card. At the very end, Peyton Veitch missed a great goal-scoring opportunity by lobbing the ball over the cross-bar.
Man ot the Match: Ultimately Chris Aiken became the man of the match by making several important saves, one most spectacularly by punching a shot onto the cross-bar and then catching it as the ball swerved back in front of his goal. For his terrific saves, Chris will receive a DVD-box set with all his favorite episodes of the Young and the Restless, which he confessed to having binge-watched.
In retrospect, it should have been clear that CSSC took preparations for this game not too serious. Several members of the team, probably inspired by the gorgeous summer weather, were absent and the injured team captain was even out on a camping-trip. Revealing was also that Andrew Woolford arrived at the game and freely admitted to having consumed two alcoholic beverages. For these reasons, CSSC did not start out too strongly although the Red Devils were not able to create many real chances either. The one time that they did break through, goaltender Chris Aiken made a heroic save. Because of the punishing heat CSSC did make a few line-up changes for the second half but this turned out to be a great mistake. The Red Devils frequently cut through the left side and soon scored. Meanwhile, the offensive line up had an off-day. Top-scorer Eli Robinson unfortunately missed a great chance after a very nice build-up from our half. The growing frustration of the offensive players was exemplified by Eli having several animated conversations with the ref, Charaf having very frank discussions with his team-mates, and Kamal accumulating yet another yellow card. At the very end, Peyton Veitch missed a great goal-scoring opportunity by lobbing the ball over the cross-bar.
Man ot the Match: Ultimately Chris Aiken became the man of the match by making several important saves, one most spectacularly by punching a shot onto the cross-bar and then catching it as the ball swerved back in front of his goal. For his terrific saves, Chris will receive a DVD-box set with all his favorite episodes of the Young and the Restless, which he confessed to having binge-watched.
Mobb United 1 - 2 CSSC
Against a first place squad that had conceded a grand total of two goals in six games the CSSC injured watching from the sidelines outnumbered those available for active duty. Things looked desperate. To make matters worse, star keeper Chris Aiken was allowed to miss the game for "personal reasons," which in Aiken's case usually involves some Hangover style trip to Vegas. Down to a scratch squad and without many of what passes for its bone fide stars, like a 1980s Bonnie Tyler, CSSC was looking for a hero (warning for the youth of today: this video will be viewed less as a nostalgia piece and more of a historical curiosity akin to lighting your house with whale oil).
In fact, not one but three heroes stepped forward. In the first half Sean Brown's perfectly timed tackles and forceful shoulder barges were the wall on which wave after wave of Mobb attacks foundered. CSSC even pillaged the opening goal when Charaf Charaoui headed down a corner that managed to, ever so slowly, work its way across the line despite the frantic efforts of the massed Mobb defence. Mobb evened things in slightly more spectacular fashion. When a corner of their own bounced high in the CSSC box, it was acrobatically thwacked into the top corner by a Mobb forward's bicycle kick. That's right. Bicycle kick. In division 6. Still, CSSC's more pedestrian effort counts the same, so it was 1-1 at the half.
In the second half, replacement keeper Hugo Figueroa repaid his heavy transfer fee with two absolutely blinding saves. First, he thrust out a leg to deny a goal bound one timer from all of six yards out. Then, he went one better, flying off his line to turn away a clear breakaway. Those were only the most spectacular feats in an afternoon of assured handling in cutting out cross after cross. Hugo's heroics paved the way for Riley DeBlonde, moved into centre mid from his usual right back position, to literally stride forward and win the day. He had already been narrowly denied glory when he got in behind the Mobb defence only to have his low angled shot clang off the post. But when Wazoo sent Charaf thundering down the wing to send in a low cross, there was DeBlonde making a lung busting surge from centre to get on the end of it and turn it past a stranded Mobb keeper via the cleats of a despairing defender. The smash and grab was complete when a powerful Mobb header bounced off the far post late in the game. All that was left was a bit of argy bargy after the final whistle instigated by a frustrated Mobb squad (I waited to the very end to do that). Understandable I guess. As Eminem once said to Everlast, "I'd hate me too if I was you."
Man of the Match: On another day Brown's defensive heroics or DeBlonde's transformation to midfield genius would have won the prize, but not only did Figueroa fill in fantastically but he made the long drive out to the MMSL office to make sure he had a player card for the game. Now that's dedication.
Against a first place squad that had conceded a grand total of two goals in six games the CSSC injured watching from the sidelines outnumbered those available for active duty. Things looked desperate. To make matters worse, star keeper Chris Aiken was allowed to miss the game for "personal reasons," which in Aiken's case usually involves some Hangover style trip to Vegas. Down to a scratch squad and without many of what passes for its bone fide stars, like a 1980s Bonnie Tyler, CSSC was looking for a hero (warning for the youth of today: this video will be viewed less as a nostalgia piece and more of a historical curiosity akin to lighting your house with whale oil).
In fact, not one but three heroes stepped forward. In the first half Sean Brown's perfectly timed tackles and forceful shoulder barges were the wall on which wave after wave of Mobb attacks foundered. CSSC even pillaged the opening goal when Charaf Charaoui headed down a corner that managed to, ever so slowly, work its way across the line despite the frantic efforts of the massed Mobb defence. Mobb evened things in slightly more spectacular fashion. When a corner of their own bounced high in the CSSC box, it was acrobatically thwacked into the top corner by a Mobb forward's bicycle kick. That's right. Bicycle kick. In division 6. Still, CSSC's more pedestrian effort counts the same, so it was 1-1 at the half.
In the second half, replacement keeper Hugo Figueroa repaid his heavy transfer fee with two absolutely blinding saves. First, he thrust out a leg to deny a goal bound one timer from all of six yards out. Then, he went one better, flying off his line to turn away a clear breakaway. Those were only the most spectacular feats in an afternoon of assured handling in cutting out cross after cross. Hugo's heroics paved the way for Riley DeBlonde, moved into centre mid from his usual right back position, to literally stride forward and win the day. He had already been narrowly denied glory when he got in behind the Mobb defence only to have his low angled shot clang off the post. But when Wazoo sent Charaf thundering down the wing to send in a low cross, there was DeBlonde making a lung busting surge from centre to get on the end of it and turn it past a stranded Mobb keeper via the cleats of a despairing defender. The smash and grab was complete when a powerful Mobb header bounced off the far post late in the game. All that was left was a bit of argy bargy after the final whistle instigated by a frustrated Mobb squad (I waited to the very end to do that). Understandable I guess. As Eminem once said to Everlast, "I'd hate me too if I was you."
Man of the Match: On another day Brown's defensive heroics or DeBlonde's transformation to midfield genius would have won the prize, but not only did Figueroa fill in fantastically but he made the long drive out to the MMSL office to make sure he had a player card for the game. Now that's dedication.
Inter Milan 1 - 0 CSSC
CSSC sent out a very makeshift line up to face old rivals Inter Milan. In addition to the mounting injuries to the ageing squad already detailed in the previous match report midfield supremo and last game's man of the match, Matt Loxley, opted to practice his frisbee tricks (which admittedly are pretty good) rather than take on the Italian giants. As a result, it was a case of new positions for old players as Rick Penner started at outside mid and Bob Walden was moved into the center of the park.
Despite these changes, CSSC started off on the front foot. Matt Brett was bossing the center while Penner and Peyton Veitch were finding plenty of room on the wings. One particularly fine bit of quick passing and movement among Brett, Penner and Kinsella sent Wazoo sprinting clear behind the Milan defence only to see his shot tipped away at full stretch by the keeper. The ball fell invitingly to Veitch at the far post, but with the goal at his mercy he couldn't quite gather himself to slot home. A few minutes later an optimistic long ball bounced behind the Milan back line to a charging Ali Chioua but his shot was gobbled up in the outrageously long Vince Leah grass. Then disaster. After a Kamal Chioua yellow card for a tackle Ray Lewis would have been proud of, Milan swung in a cross that eluded the hands of Chris Aiken and the attempted clearance of Stef Fischer to sit temptingly on the goal line for an easy Milan tap in.
The second half saw few really good chances until Chioua the younger decided to seek out his own brand of vigilante justice after he felt he was unfairly barged off the ball. Unfortunately, the referee saw the his knee high sliding tackle from behind not so much as righting a historical injustice as a nasty yellow card - worthy foul. Long time students of math know that two yellows make one red, and Chioua was off to an early shower. Milan predictably created the best chances in the remaining 25 minutes of the game but their long range shooting was a bit wayward. CSSC's only chance to level came when Bob Walden cushioned a lay off back to Brett at the top of the box but his powerful low shot was too close to the keeper.
Man of the Match: Peyton Veitch was dangerous all night up and down the wing and was commended after the game by Sean Brown for getting stuck in. High praise indeed. K. Chioua's red card should prevent us from getting the loathed Fair Play award. But no one could top Matt Brett's passion for the CSSC cause. His chasing and harrying terrorized Milan ball carriers all night as he single handedly attempted to make up for CSSC's short handed situation. He even pulled up with calf cramp at the final whistle. Other CSSC players would do well to emulate Brett's effort, but should eat more bananas.
CSSC sent out a very makeshift line up to face old rivals Inter Milan. In addition to the mounting injuries to the ageing squad already detailed in the previous match report midfield supremo and last game's man of the match, Matt Loxley, opted to practice his frisbee tricks (which admittedly are pretty good) rather than take on the Italian giants. As a result, it was a case of new positions for old players as Rick Penner started at outside mid and Bob Walden was moved into the center of the park.
Despite these changes, CSSC started off on the front foot. Matt Brett was bossing the center while Penner and Peyton Veitch were finding plenty of room on the wings. One particularly fine bit of quick passing and movement among Brett, Penner and Kinsella sent Wazoo sprinting clear behind the Milan defence only to see his shot tipped away at full stretch by the keeper. The ball fell invitingly to Veitch at the far post, but with the goal at his mercy he couldn't quite gather himself to slot home. A few minutes later an optimistic long ball bounced behind the Milan back line to a charging Ali Chioua but his shot was gobbled up in the outrageously long Vince Leah grass. Then disaster. After a Kamal Chioua yellow card for a tackle Ray Lewis would have been proud of, Milan swung in a cross that eluded the hands of Chris Aiken and the attempted clearance of Stef Fischer to sit temptingly on the goal line for an easy Milan tap in.
The second half saw few really good chances until Chioua the younger decided to seek out his own brand of vigilante justice after he felt he was unfairly barged off the ball. Unfortunately, the referee saw the his knee high sliding tackle from behind not so much as righting a historical injustice as a nasty yellow card - worthy foul. Long time students of math know that two yellows make one red, and Chioua was off to an early shower. Milan predictably created the best chances in the remaining 25 minutes of the game but their long range shooting was a bit wayward. CSSC's only chance to level came when Bob Walden cushioned a lay off back to Brett at the top of the box but his powerful low shot was too close to the keeper.
Man of the Match: Peyton Veitch was dangerous all night up and down the wing and was commended after the game by Sean Brown for getting stuck in. High praise indeed. K. Chioua's red card should prevent us from getting the loathed Fair Play award. But no one could top Matt Brett's passion for the CSSC cause. His chasing and harrying terrorized Milan ball carriers all night as he single handedly attempted to make up for CSSC's short handed situation. He even pulled up with calf cramp at the final whistle. Other CSSC players would do well to emulate Brett's effort, but should eat more bananas.
St James 2 - 1 CSSC
It was a good news, bad news day on the CSSC injury front. Andrew Woolford took some time off from banging on about colonial genocide and residential schools to return to the line up now that his knee cap is all healed, but Ian Hudson was side lined because of a fractured rib. Even worse, CSSC's main source of goals, Eli Robinson, left the game early with a hamstring niggle. CSSC's crack medical staff warned him not to do a legs day before the game, but like Krusty the Clown, Robinson isn't one to follow doctor's orders.
On the field things could not have started off any more poorly if CSSC were France in World War 2. Caught off guard by St James' early speed, CSSC was forced on to the back foot and conceded a very early goal when a low cross was turned in to the far corner past defensively abandoned keeper Chris Aiken (who at least managed to mark the game on his smart phone calender). After that rude awaking the rest of the half was much more even. A more critical observer might even claim that it was bogged down in midfield, with few chances being created. That is until mouthy, and unloved even by his own team, number 18 conceded a wrestling foul on edge of the St James box. Kinsella swung in a dangerous cross that Meuwese nodded down for Ed Gonzales to emphatically smash in from close range.
The second half looked quite similar. A great deal of midfield battling but little in the way of chances. The only real opportunity of note fell to Ed Gonzales, who latched on to a high through ball, only to volley straight at the keeper's stomach from a tight angle. Or at least that would have been the only chance of the half if CSSC hadn't done more self inflicted damage than all of the FIFA executive combined (here's a delightful round up of FIFA madness, from WSC's existential take on the crisis, to the legendary John Oliver, to the Onion) when an clearing attempt from the safety of the corner of the field was unfortunately sliced right across the face of our own goal, whistling past an unsuspecting defender and right to the feet of a lurking St James number 20, who couldn't believe his luck and tucked home from all of four yards. And that was in injury time. Sadness all around.
Man of the Match: It's about time the award was actually given to the person who is probably CSSC's best player game in, game out. Step forward midfield anchor man Matt Loxley. His ability to cover every single blade of sand covered grass on Buhler covered up for a host of team mates' errors. Only the lack of a single stalk of grass to slow the ball down foiled what would have otherwise been Loxley's perfect through balls.
It was a good news, bad news day on the CSSC injury front. Andrew Woolford took some time off from banging on about colonial genocide and residential schools to return to the line up now that his knee cap is all healed, but Ian Hudson was side lined because of a fractured rib. Even worse, CSSC's main source of goals, Eli Robinson, left the game early with a hamstring niggle. CSSC's crack medical staff warned him not to do a legs day before the game, but like Krusty the Clown, Robinson isn't one to follow doctor's orders.
On the field things could not have started off any more poorly if CSSC were France in World War 2. Caught off guard by St James' early speed, CSSC was forced on to the back foot and conceded a very early goal when a low cross was turned in to the far corner past defensively abandoned keeper Chris Aiken (who at least managed to mark the game on his smart phone calender). After that rude awaking the rest of the half was much more even. A more critical observer might even claim that it was bogged down in midfield, with few chances being created. That is until mouthy, and unloved even by his own team, number 18 conceded a wrestling foul on edge of the St James box. Kinsella swung in a dangerous cross that Meuwese nodded down for Ed Gonzales to emphatically smash in from close range.
The second half looked quite similar. A great deal of midfield battling but little in the way of chances. The only real opportunity of note fell to Ed Gonzales, who latched on to a high through ball, only to volley straight at the keeper's stomach from a tight angle. Or at least that would have been the only chance of the half if CSSC hadn't done more self inflicted damage than all of the FIFA executive combined (here's a delightful round up of FIFA madness, from WSC's existential take on the crisis, to the legendary John Oliver, to the Onion) when an clearing attempt from the safety of the corner of the field was unfortunately sliced right across the face of our own goal, whistling past an unsuspecting defender and right to the feet of a lurking St James number 20, who couldn't believe his luck and tucked home from all of four yards. And that was in injury time. Sadness all around.
Man of the Match: It's about time the award was actually given to the person who is probably CSSC's best player game in, game out. Step forward midfield anchor man Matt Loxley. His ability to cover every single blade of sand covered grass on Buhler covered up for a host of team mates' errors. Only the lack of a single stalk of grass to slow the ball down foiled what would have otherwise been Loxley's perfect through balls.
CSSC 2 - 2 Polonia
In the world of rec soccer, back up keepers are hard to come by. Who wants to volunteer to spend their evenings sitting on a bench watching someone else grab the glory? Fortunately for CSSC Ali Chioua is a unique double threat, capable of bossing the midfield and stepping between the sticks when needed. Which he was when regular keeper Chris Aiken completely forgot about the game.
CSSC's slightly makeshift line up was quickly overwhelmed by a Polonia squad that was aggressive off the ball and tidy on it. The warning signs were there early when a nice ball into the box and a clever turn by the Polonia forward resulted in a hard low drive across the face of goal that produced a remarkable save by Chioua. But CSSC failed to heed the warning and a lanky Polonia forward was allowed to lope toward goal and bend an unstoppable shot into the top corner. Despite the fact that Polonia needed no help, the ref decided to give them a hand anyway when he whistled for a very marginal handball just outside the CSSC box. The free kick may not have been of Ronaldo quality but it bent around the wall and into the net for a 2-0 lead. However, things turned around for CSSC just before the half. First, when Ian Hudson stumbled off after a nasty elbow to the kidneys, Colin Kinsella strode into the centre midfield and replaced Hudson's poor marking and wayward passing with his own brand of composed, intelligent control. Second, just before half Eli Robinson took a Sean Brown throw in behind the Polonia defence and slammed the ball into the roof the net. Timely indeed.
The grass in the Polonia half of the field was similarly untrampled for most of the second half but at least the CSSC defence was holding firm, restricting Polonia to long range shots. But then against the run of play, Kamal Chioua lived up to his promise to "make things happen" if he was allowed to play forward by legging it past the Polonia back line, leaving the last defender with the tough choice of bringing young Chioua down or letting him in clear on goal. He went for option number one, sending Kamal spinning through the air. Penalty. Robinson stepped up to calmly slot home for his 5th in two games. He's CSSC's version of Wayne Rooney - if Wayne Rooney scored more and had better hair. There was still time for elder Chioua to reinforce his growing reputation by stoning a clear cut breakaway with a cat like right foot and Matt Brett to almost pilfer what would have been a genuine smash and grab win but the Polonia keeper stretched to palm away his curled effort.
Man of the Match: Robinson's two goals were crucial and Kinsella turned an over run midfield into a counter attacking threat, but two super star saves win Ali Chioua and his old school keeping the award.
In the world of rec soccer, back up keepers are hard to come by. Who wants to volunteer to spend their evenings sitting on a bench watching someone else grab the glory? Fortunately for CSSC Ali Chioua is a unique double threat, capable of bossing the midfield and stepping between the sticks when needed. Which he was when regular keeper Chris Aiken completely forgot about the game.
CSSC's slightly makeshift line up was quickly overwhelmed by a Polonia squad that was aggressive off the ball and tidy on it. The warning signs were there early when a nice ball into the box and a clever turn by the Polonia forward resulted in a hard low drive across the face of goal that produced a remarkable save by Chioua. But CSSC failed to heed the warning and a lanky Polonia forward was allowed to lope toward goal and bend an unstoppable shot into the top corner. Despite the fact that Polonia needed no help, the ref decided to give them a hand anyway when he whistled for a very marginal handball just outside the CSSC box. The free kick may not have been of Ronaldo quality but it bent around the wall and into the net for a 2-0 lead. However, things turned around for CSSC just before the half. First, when Ian Hudson stumbled off after a nasty elbow to the kidneys, Colin Kinsella strode into the centre midfield and replaced Hudson's poor marking and wayward passing with his own brand of composed, intelligent control. Second, just before half Eli Robinson took a Sean Brown throw in behind the Polonia defence and slammed the ball into the roof the net. Timely indeed.
The grass in the Polonia half of the field was similarly untrampled for most of the second half but at least the CSSC defence was holding firm, restricting Polonia to long range shots. But then against the run of play, Kamal Chioua lived up to his promise to "make things happen" if he was allowed to play forward by legging it past the Polonia back line, leaving the last defender with the tough choice of bringing young Chioua down or letting him in clear on goal. He went for option number one, sending Kamal spinning through the air. Penalty. Robinson stepped up to calmly slot home for his 5th in two games. He's CSSC's version of Wayne Rooney - if Wayne Rooney scored more and had better hair. There was still time for elder Chioua to reinforce his growing reputation by stoning a clear cut breakaway with a cat like right foot and Matt Brett to almost pilfer what would have been a genuine smash and grab win but the Polonia keeper stretched to palm away his curled effort.
Man of the Match: Robinson's two goals were crucial and Kinsella turned an over run midfield into a counter attacking threat, but two super star saves win Ali Chioua and his old school keeping the award.
CSSC 5 - 1 Sparta
The pre-game discussion for those not hung up in traffic on Lagimodiere was all about CSSC's rash of knee related injuries that has meant Andrew Woolford and Dave Fernandes have joined Mark Hudson in the Robo cop, knee brace look a like contest. Due to management's astute off season acquisitions, however, CSSC still fielded a strong 5 subs on a very warm May day.
The first half started out very well for CSSC. With all the pinging of passes amongst actual fellow team members and numerous passing options for the ball carrier, the many fans and injured team mates were wondering if they had stumbled in to see Arsenal play. It was only a matter of time until the good play was rewarded with some dangerous scoring opportunities. After Ian Hudson placed a low daisy cutter of a free kick just past the post, Matt Loxley went him one better by roofing a rebound from Eli Robinson's shot. Minutes later young Loxley then drove what was either a sharp angle shot or a wayward cross in off the far post for a two goal lead at the half.
The second half wasn't quite the footballing feast for the eyes but it had plenty of incident. A deep Peyton Veitch cross was dropped by their keeper and Robinson turned it in. Then Sparta spurned a glorious chance when a low cross found a striker in behind the CSSC defence, only for him to be terrified into blootering the ball into space by the imposing presence of keeper Chris Aiken. Not to be denied, Sparta reduced the deficit when a winger got behind the CSSC defence and drove a low cross into the six yard box that was turned in at the near post. Just when manager Pete Hudson was considering pressing the big button marked PANIC, Eli Robinson settled the nerves with a low driven goal after Ian Hudson's cross was only partially cleared. The game was put beyond doubt when I Hudson headed a wayward Sparta goal kick back into the path of rampaging Eli Robinson, who ripped an unstoppable bender into the top corner.
CSSC's future looked so bright in the post game sun shine that Matt Brett had to put on his shades before his pants or risk permanent retina damage. Just to keep things in perspective, Matt looked a lot more comfortable than any of these slightly more famous players. Lederhosen, they're always funny.
Man of the Match: After the game it was magnificently fruity Mango Sunsets for all while deciding whether Matt Loxley's opening two goals or Eli Robinson's closing three were the most important factor in the win. However, a sunset filled committee went for the more unconventional choice of Ibrahim Charaoui, pictured in the wonderful gallery below giving a rousing half time team bollocking. His unsupervised stroll onto the field early in the second half really threw Sparta off their game. "There's a child on the field!!!"
The pre-game discussion for those not hung up in traffic on Lagimodiere was all about CSSC's rash of knee related injuries that has meant Andrew Woolford and Dave Fernandes have joined Mark Hudson in the Robo cop, knee brace look a like contest. Due to management's astute off season acquisitions, however, CSSC still fielded a strong 5 subs on a very warm May day.
The first half started out very well for CSSC. With all the pinging of passes amongst actual fellow team members and numerous passing options for the ball carrier, the many fans and injured team mates were wondering if they had stumbled in to see Arsenal play. It was only a matter of time until the good play was rewarded with some dangerous scoring opportunities. After Ian Hudson placed a low daisy cutter of a free kick just past the post, Matt Loxley went him one better by roofing a rebound from Eli Robinson's shot. Minutes later young Loxley then drove what was either a sharp angle shot or a wayward cross in off the far post for a two goal lead at the half.
The second half wasn't quite the footballing feast for the eyes but it had plenty of incident. A deep Peyton Veitch cross was dropped by their keeper and Robinson turned it in. Then Sparta spurned a glorious chance when a low cross found a striker in behind the CSSC defence, only for him to be terrified into blootering the ball into space by the imposing presence of keeper Chris Aiken. Not to be denied, Sparta reduced the deficit when a winger got behind the CSSC defence and drove a low cross into the six yard box that was turned in at the near post. Just when manager Pete Hudson was considering pressing the big button marked PANIC, Eli Robinson settled the nerves with a low driven goal after Ian Hudson's cross was only partially cleared. The game was put beyond doubt when I Hudson headed a wayward Sparta goal kick back into the path of rampaging Eli Robinson, who ripped an unstoppable bender into the top corner.
CSSC's future looked so bright in the post game sun shine that Matt Brett had to put on his shades before his pants or risk permanent retina damage. Just to keep things in perspective, Matt looked a lot more comfortable than any of these slightly more famous players. Lederhosen, they're always funny.
Man of the Match: After the game it was magnificently fruity Mango Sunsets for all while deciding whether Matt Loxley's opening two goals or Eli Robinson's closing three were the most important factor in the win. However, a sunset filled committee went for the more unconventional choice of Ibrahim Charaoui, pictured in the wonderful gallery below giving a rousing half time team bollocking. His unsupervised stroll onto the field early in the second half really threw Sparta off their game. "There's a child on the field!!!"
CSSC 1 - 0 Elmwood
CSSC rolled into its second game of the young season by welcoming back centre midfield old and young combination Ian Hudson and Matt Loxley. It was also the first game for two of the three members of the local constabulary that CSSC has welcomed in to the fold in an attempt to reduce our likely future convictions for breaches of the peace and drunk and disorderly (how is that a crime?). With all the new arrivals, it was a very healthy looking 6 subs shivering on the bench in the wintery May winds. Bruce Sewart was especially forlorn looking, huddled into his admittedly warm looking Kenora dinner jacket.
The wind aided first half looked very good for CSSC. The first chance arrived when the Elmwood keeper misplayed a goal kick straight to a lurking Dave Fernandes who rattled his golden opportunity off the underside of the crossbar. A couple of minutes later Ian Hudson released Eli Robinson behind the Elmwood backline and he rounded the keeper and slotted home. The rest of the half was largely spent chasing down wayward CSSC shots as various CSSC players, but mostly Riley DeBlonde, discovered that their new shooting boots weren't quite the guaranteed goal getters that the sales people had promised.
The change of ends at the half meant a change in momentum as CSSC could not wrestle the ball away from Elmwood. In a disciplined defensive display that would have had Jose Mourinho purring into the post game microphone, Elmwood were limited to two close in chances, both of which were blocked on the goal line by Riley DeBlonde who showed the CSSC fans why management is so high on this young defender. CSSC actually had the best chance of the half when Matt Loxley's long range swerver clanged off the crossbar and spun off the goal line.
Man of the Match: Basking in the cosy surroundings of the Jolly Friar, CSSC's answer to Mourinho, John Loxley, awarded the much coveted Man of the Match to Riley DeBlonde and his stalwart defensive play. The award would have been worth a free pint of Lake of the Woods draft, but Riley opted to hang out with the lovely ladies on his Co-ed team rather than the sweaty and crumpled band that is a CSSC post game crew, so no free beer for him.
CSSC rolled into its second game of the young season by welcoming back centre midfield old and young combination Ian Hudson and Matt Loxley. It was also the first game for two of the three members of the local constabulary that CSSC has welcomed in to the fold in an attempt to reduce our likely future convictions for breaches of the peace and drunk and disorderly (how is that a crime?). With all the new arrivals, it was a very healthy looking 6 subs shivering on the bench in the wintery May winds. Bruce Sewart was especially forlorn looking, huddled into his admittedly warm looking Kenora dinner jacket.
The wind aided first half looked very good for CSSC. The first chance arrived when the Elmwood keeper misplayed a goal kick straight to a lurking Dave Fernandes who rattled his golden opportunity off the underside of the crossbar. A couple of minutes later Ian Hudson released Eli Robinson behind the Elmwood backline and he rounded the keeper and slotted home. The rest of the half was largely spent chasing down wayward CSSC shots as various CSSC players, but mostly Riley DeBlonde, discovered that their new shooting boots weren't quite the guaranteed goal getters that the sales people had promised.
The change of ends at the half meant a change in momentum as CSSC could not wrestle the ball away from Elmwood. In a disciplined defensive display that would have had Jose Mourinho purring into the post game microphone, Elmwood were limited to two close in chances, both of which were blocked on the goal line by Riley DeBlonde who showed the CSSC fans why management is so high on this young defender. CSSC actually had the best chance of the half when Matt Loxley's long range swerver clanged off the crossbar and spun off the goal line.
Man of the Match: Basking in the cosy surroundings of the Jolly Friar, CSSC's answer to Mourinho, John Loxley, awarded the much coveted Man of the Match to Riley DeBlonde and his stalwart defensive play. The award would have been worth a free pint of Lake of the Woods draft, but Riley opted to hang out with the lovely ladies on his Co-ed team rather than the sweaty and crumpled band that is a CSSC post game crew, so no free beer for him.
CSSC 1 - 1 BFR
CSSC unfortunately neglected wind and heat training prior to our first match of 2015 campaign, which was against a BFR squad that looked a tad fitter than BFRs past. We also did not train for no-contact soccer. So with the wind blowing in our faces, the temperature a balmy 26C, and the ref calling even the slightest nudge, CSSC faced a near constant onslaught from BFR for the first half. We managed to reach the break knotted zero-zero thanks to Riley De Blonde taking over the sweeper position for a no-show hockey-playing Sean Brown and leading the D to shut down all BFR chances. Mark Meuwese also made a stellar slide tackle that was all ball only to be called for a foul by the hair trigger ref. Yet contact only seemed to be a concern outside the 18 -- Matt Brett getting chopped down when going in clean on the BFR net did not even bring the whistle close to the ref's mouth.
In the second half, the wind advantage allowed CSSC to hold some possession, although most forward ventures ended with an unreachable ball blown out of bounds by the heavy wind. Despite our increased pressure, BFR tallied first when a soft call on some minor contact allowed a free kick that brought the ball back to CSSC territory. This initial foray ended with a corner kick, which was botched by BFR; however, the ref blew his whistle just as the botched corner was being made, this time because he was worried a couple players may have brushed up against one another in the 6 yard box. The subsequent do-over corner kick bounced off a couple backs and trickled across the goal line. CSSC managed to get the goal back quickly, however, when Ed Gonzales got a foot on a cross and found the corner of the net.
Man of the Match: While such equalizing heroics would normally earn Ed the coveted man of the match award, newcomer Bob Walden usurped Ed by saving the game in the final 15 minutes. In a bold move by Ali, Walden was moved from midfield to defence, and then to sweeper when Riley finally needed a break from the action. First, Walden thwarted a break-away by BFR's speediest forward, catching him in a foot race and directing the ball out of danger. Then, in a last minute flurry around our net, Bob stood the line and made a remarkable kick save on a wide open BFR chance to preserve the tie.
CSSC unfortunately neglected wind and heat training prior to our first match of 2015 campaign, which was against a BFR squad that looked a tad fitter than BFRs past. We also did not train for no-contact soccer. So with the wind blowing in our faces, the temperature a balmy 26C, and the ref calling even the slightest nudge, CSSC faced a near constant onslaught from BFR for the first half. We managed to reach the break knotted zero-zero thanks to Riley De Blonde taking over the sweeper position for a no-show hockey-playing Sean Brown and leading the D to shut down all BFR chances. Mark Meuwese also made a stellar slide tackle that was all ball only to be called for a foul by the hair trigger ref. Yet contact only seemed to be a concern outside the 18 -- Matt Brett getting chopped down when going in clean on the BFR net did not even bring the whistle close to the ref's mouth.
In the second half, the wind advantage allowed CSSC to hold some possession, although most forward ventures ended with an unreachable ball blown out of bounds by the heavy wind. Despite our increased pressure, BFR tallied first when a soft call on some minor contact allowed a free kick that brought the ball back to CSSC territory. This initial foray ended with a corner kick, which was botched by BFR; however, the ref blew his whistle just as the botched corner was being made, this time because he was worried a couple players may have brushed up against one another in the 6 yard box. The subsequent do-over corner kick bounced off a couple backs and trickled across the goal line. CSSC managed to get the goal back quickly, however, when Ed Gonzales got a foot on a cross and found the corner of the net.
Man of the Match: While such equalizing heroics would normally earn Ed the coveted man of the match award, newcomer Bob Walden usurped Ed by saving the game in the final 15 minutes. In a bold move by Ali, Walden was moved from midfield to defence, and then to sweeper when Riley finally needed a break from the action. First, Walden thwarted a break-away by BFR's speediest forward, catching him in a foot race and directing the ball out of danger. Then, in a last minute flurry around our net, Bob stood the line and made a remarkable kick save on a wide open BFR chance to preserve the tie.