Match Reports 2021
CSSC 1 – 2 YSL Saints
Despite another late night start, CSSC’s remarkable attendance record continued, with a solid 5 subs, including much missed defenders Tyler Johnson, Sean Brown and Van Penner, waiting to hear new manager Devin Doerksen’s pregame tactics session as CSSC moved to a hopefully more defensively solid 4 5 1 formation.
The early signs were that CSSC had a ways to go in creating its own soccer oriented version of the much vaunted Steel Curtain defense of the 1970s NFL. After about 20 relatively even minutes, CSSC turned the ball over in what Pep Guardiola terms the “zone of great danger” in the middle of the park about 30 yards from goal. It didn’t look like CSSC would get punished when the YSL midfielder with a slight tummy took a few tentative steps toward the CSSC goal, but encouraged by the lack of opposition, he gained in confidence and smacked an unstoppable, perfectly placed, daisy cutter into the bottom corner. Only minutes later the same center midfielder gathered a pass just outside the box and, with a series of increasingly impressive feints and moves, left the entire CSSC defense on the ground while he rolled the ball into an empty net. Classy would be an understatement. Even worse for CSSC, Penner and Brown limped off, forcing a massive Doerksen inspired reshuffling of the CSSC back, shifting Woolford to sweeper, Stef into the backline, and I. Hudson into speedy Stef’s former spot, attempting to keep up with a very quick YSL attack. The ship did steady a little at this point. CSSC seemed to stop the bleeding and had the ball in the back of the YSL net when JDB rampaged down the left and played a lovely, low cross field pass to Dylan, bursting into the box to one time a side footer into the back of the net. But the ref peeped officiously for offside rather than joyfully for a goal.
CSSC’s suddenly defender shy line up would be sorely tested during the second half by YSL’s hard running and mazy dribbling front. However, while their forwards did manage to get in behind the CSSC defense on several occasions, they found Mac Andries in tremendous goal denying form. He thwarted several one on one breaks by following rule number 3 of Total Goalkeeping and “making himself big.” He then made one absolute storming save when number 14 unleashed a 20 yard rocket destined for the low far corner, Mac sprawled at full stretch to claw it to safety. Kept in the game by Mac’s heroics, the CSSC outfield managed to claw its way back into the game when Greg Boese picked up a clearance about 25 yards out, took a touch to get the ball rolling and drilled a shot of such casual force that the keeper could only watch it ping off the bar. Fortunately, the bounce fell kindly for JDB who did well to control it in tight and slot home. About ten minutes later a delightful flowing full field passing move started from Hudson, to Zack Chioua who found Dylan, who then slid a perfectly weighted pass behind the YSL back line to Bryce cutting in from the wing, who pulled a perfect opposite side Thierry Henry by bending a side footer just inside the far post. As the ref pointed to the center circle CSSC raced to congratulate each other on a job well done only for the very same ref to change his mind under the barrage of YSL pressure and call it offside. Just when CSSC felt things could only get more unjust if the ref pulled out a gun and a badge, he went one better by pulling out a red card for Stef after a bit of mutual arm tugging with a YSL forward. The howls of righteous indignation from the CSSC bench could be heard echoing across the prairie night.
And that was the last event worthy of note of the COVID shortened nine game MMSL season. In terms of wins and losses it was the worst CSSC record in many a decade. Yet, this is also the most talent that CSSC has ever assembled. Hopefully, a return to the comfy confines of division 5 will lead to victories galore next year.
Man of the Match: Again, the post-match beers were served in the parking lot starting at midnight. As Phil reveled in the new Barnhammer sour, and players groused at the injustice of the system, the MOTM voting swung toward, obviously Mac, but also to Greg Boese, who not only worked his socks off in the middle of the park to shut down YSL attacks but also pulled the strings in much of what was good about the CSSC attack. And his long range sighter set up the only goal.
Despite another late night start, CSSC’s remarkable attendance record continued, with a solid 5 subs, including much missed defenders Tyler Johnson, Sean Brown and Van Penner, waiting to hear new manager Devin Doerksen’s pregame tactics session as CSSC moved to a hopefully more defensively solid 4 5 1 formation.
The early signs were that CSSC had a ways to go in creating its own soccer oriented version of the much vaunted Steel Curtain defense of the 1970s NFL. After about 20 relatively even minutes, CSSC turned the ball over in what Pep Guardiola terms the “zone of great danger” in the middle of the park about 30 yards from goal. It didn’t look like CSSC would get punished when the YSL midfielder with a slight tummy took a few tentative steps toward the CSSC goal, but encouraged by the lack of opposition, he gained in confidence and smacked an unstoppable, perfectly placed, daisy cutter into the bottom corner. Only minutes later the same center midfielder gathered a pass just outside the box and, with a series of increasingly impressive feints and moves, left the entire CSSC defense on the ground while he rolled the ball into an empty net. Classy would be an understatement. Even worse for CSSC, Penner and Brown limped off, forcing a massive Doerksen inspired reshuffling of the CSSC back, shifting Woolford to sweeper, Stef into the backline, and I. Hudson into speedy Stef’s former spot, attempting to keep up with a very quick YSL attack. The ship did steady a little at this point. CSSC seemed to stop the bleeding and had the ball in the back of the YSL net when JDB rampaged down the left and played a lovely, low cross field pass to Dylan, bursting into the box to one time a side footer into the back of the net. But the ref peeped officiously for offside rather than joyfully for a goal.
CSSC’s suddenly defender shy line up would be sorely tested during the second half by YSL’s hard running and mazy dribbling front. However, while their forwards did manage to get in behind the CSSC defense on several occasions, they found Mac Andries in tremendous goal denying form. He thwarted several one on one breaks by following rule number 3 of Total Goalkeeping and “making himself big.” He then made one absolute storming save when number 14 unleashed a 20 yard rocket destined for the low far corner, Mac sprawled at full stretch to claw it to safety. Kept in the game by Mac’s heroics, the CSSC outfield managed to claw its way back into the game when Greg Boese picked up a clearance about 25 yards out, took a touch to get the ball rolling and drilled a shot of such casual force that the keeper could only watch it ping off the bar. Fortunately, the bounce fell kindly for JDB who did well to control it in tight and slot home. About ten minutes later a delightful flowing full field passing move started from Hudson, to Zack Chioua who found Dylan, who then slid a perfectly weighted pass behind the YSL back line to Bryce cutting in from the wing, who pulled a perfect opposite side Thierry Henry by bending a side footer just inside the far post. As the ref pointed to the center circle CSSC raced to congratulate each other on a job well done only for the very same ref to change his mind under the barrage of YSL pressure and call it offside. Just when CSSC felt things could only get more unjust if the ref pulled out a gun and a badge, he went one better by pulling out a red card for Stef after a bit of mutual arm tugging with a YSL forward. The howls of righteous indignation from the CSSC bench could be heard echoing across the prairie night.
And that was the last event worthy of note of the COVID shortened nine game MMSL season. In terms of wins and losses it was the worst CSSC record in many a decade. Yet, this is also the most talent that CSSC has ever assembled. Hopefully, a return to the comfy confines of division 5 will lead to victories galore next year.
Man of the Match: Again, the post-match beers were served in the parking lot starting at midnight. As Phil reveled in the new Barnhammer sour, and players groused at the injustice of the system, the MOTM voting swung toward, obviously Mac, but also to Greg Boese, who not only worked his socks off in the middle of the park to shut down YSL attacks but also pulled the strings in much of what was good about the CSSC attack. And his long range sighter set up the only goal.
Southside 3 - 0 CSSC
To give CSSC and Southside credit, both teams responded to the MMSL's vampire inspired scheduling by turning up with squads full to bursting. In CSSC's case it was a good thing because Sean Brown's hamstring didn't last the warm up and Kevin Dick's groin, denied the protection of a firm layer of warm lycra, gave way early in the first half.
By the time Dick limped off the field CSSC was already down two. The match reporter was still in line for late night snacks when the goals went in so all he could report was that in both cases CSSC had the ball in what appeared to be positions of relative safety and then, in the time needed for a quick glance at the menu to compare the relative prices of cafeteria snacks, the ball was in the net. CSSC could have had a marker of its own but when Kamal was sent racing clear from center the pressure from a hard checking defender forced a snap shot from the top of the box that the keeper managed to get both hands on. Manager I. Hudson, whose position is looking about as tenuous as Rob Gale's, attempted to rouse CSSC out of its stupor with a blistering half time hair drier treatment featuring unfavorable comparisons between CSSC and many other soft things.
And it had little effect. CSSC came out flatter than a Mr. Oizo video. Rather than pushing for the goal that would get them back in the game, CSSC was pinned back and had to rely on keeper Mac Andries, who made a series of increasingly unbelievable saves, to keep them within shouting distance of the game. Then out of nothing, Dylan found himself one on one with a desperately back peddling defender, who Dylan crisply wrong footed and banged a rocket off the post. Possession stats were looking grim for CSSC but they managed to carve out another excellent chance when Dylan again wove some magic inside the Soutside box and squared to Kamal about six yards out but his side footed one timer was a bit too close to the keeper. The game was placed out of reach when a glaringly offside Southside striker picked up a through ball and, while the amassed CSSC defenders ignored the fundamental "play to the whistle" rule, strolled in alone on goal. Not even the excellent Andries could keep out the well placed low drive into the far corner. Amid mass CSSC protests, the ref admitted to looking at their watch rather than the on field action, a confession which was simultaneously refreshingly honest and a shocking dereliction of duty.
Man of the Match: After midnight means parking lot post match beers leaning up against the hatchback of Kevin Dick's fancy SUV. While there was little doubt that the best player on the field for the second game running was Mac Andries, Andrew Woolford wins the award by putting in a rock solid performance on the night of his 50th birthday. And a few days earlier he rescued an 18 month baby who was crawling across a busy thoroughfare in downtown Victoria. Not all heroes wear capes, although Andrew has been known to let one billow out behind him during a big night on the town.
To give CSSC and Southside credit, both teams responded to the MMSL's vampire inspired scheduling by turning up with squads full to bursting. In CSSC's case it was a good thing because Sean Brown's hamstring didn't last the warm up and Kevin Dick's groin, denied the protection of a firm layer of warm lycra, gave way early in the first half.
By the time Dick limped off the field CSSC was already down two. The match reporter was still in line for late night snacks when the goals went in so all he could report was that in both cases CSSC had the ball in what appeared to be positions of relative safety and then, in the time needed for a quick glance at the menu to compare the relative prices of cafeteria snacks, the ball was in the net. CSSC could have had a marker of its own but when Kamal was sent racing clear from center the pressure from a hard checking defender forced a snap shot from the top of the box that the keeper managed to get both hands on. Manager I. Hudson, whose position is looking about as tenuous as Rob Gale's, attempted to rouse CSSC out of its stupor with a blistering half time hair drier treatment featuring unfavorable comparisons between CSSC and many other soft things.
And it had little effect. CSSC came out flatter than a Mr. Oizo video. Rather than pushing for the goal that would get them back in the game, CSSC was pinned back and had to rely on keeper Mac Andries, who made a series of increasingly unbelievable saves, to keep them within shouting distance of the game. Then out of nothing, Dylan found himself one on one with a desperately back peddling defender, who Dylan crisply wrong footed and banged a rocket off the post. Possession stats were looking grim for CSSC but they managed to carve out another excellent chance when Dylan again wove some magic inside the Soutside box and squared to Kamal about six yards out but his side footed one timer was a bit too close to the keeper. The game was placed out of reach when a glaringly offside Southside striker picked up a through ball and, while the amassed CSSC defenders ignored the fundamental "play to the whistle" rule, strolled in alone on goal. Not even the excellent Andries could keep out the well placed low drive into the far corner. Amid mass CSSC protests, the ref admitted to looking at their watch rather than the on field action, a confession which was simultaneously refreshingly honest and a shocking dereliction of duty.
Man of the Match: After midnight means parking lot post match beers leaning up against the hatchback of Kevin Dick's fancy SUV. While there was little doubt that the best player on the field for the second game running was Mac Andries, Andrew Woolford wins the award by putting in a rock solid performance on the night of his 50th birthday. And a few days earlier he rescued an 18 month baby who was crawling across a busy thoroughfare in downtown Victoria. Not all heroes wear capes, although Andrew has been known to let one billow out behind him during a big night on the town.
CSSC 2 - 3 St. James
A casual number counter would have been very satisfied with the 16 player line up going through their pre game paces under the bright lights of Memorial Field on a coolish September evening, But the problem with casual number crunching is that often you can't see what lies beneath the numbers. Like the Afghan army, CSSC's defence had gone missing - with Woolford, M. Hudson, Johnson, Penner, and Sean Brown, who was forced into goal by a sudden COVID scare for CSSC's number one, all unable to suit up along the back. CSSC's long term fans will quickly realize that this left the team with only Phil Amorim as the one recognized defensive starter. In came Patrick, Erwan, and Stef to introduce themselves to each other as the starting whistle blew.
Perhaps it was the lack of familiarity, or perhaps it was St. James' obvious skill going forward, but CSSC found itself down three inside the opening 30 minutes, which before the game, ace coach Devin Doerksen told them they should not do. The first came when a long range St. James shot had a bit too much outside the boot to it and swerved away from the goal to what would have been safety had not an alert right winger nipped in to latch onto the ball and one time it past Brown. It was two on a goal of tremendous quality. In other seasons it would be goal of the year, yet it wasn't even the goal of the match (foreshadowing is an important literary device). CSSC managed to half clear a St. James attack, but the ball fell kindly to lurking number 26 about 25 yards out who hit an absolute screamer of a half volley that bent away from Brown and into the top corner. Even St. James had the good graces not to celebrate their third. An in swinging corner beyond the CSSC far post hit a defender squarely in the tummy, ricocheted back across the CSSC net and was turned in by an unknowing Brown. Tragedy and farce all rolled into one. Things were threatening to go really south when Bryce Trupp provided just the inspiration that that CSSC needed. Having just been thwarted by a stellar save after Zach Chioua rampaged through the St. James D and rolled it to him across the six yard box, Bryce went for the video game "what is easy is hard, and what is hard is easy" mantra by picking up a harmless cross field pass 30 yards out on the right, taking a touch to cut inside onto his favoured left foot and smacking a bending rocket into the top corner. If a pie plate was suspended between crossbar and post, it would have been smashed to a million pieces. Would that be enough to rouse sleepy CSSC?
Early second half momentum certainly suggested that it did. Kamal chased down a ball played down the left, beat his defender to tightrope along the end line and when his low driven cross was spilled by the keeper, there was JDB to slot home. Clawed back to a goal down with lots of time to play but what would have been a comeback for the ages was not to be, although it wasn't down to a lack of chances. I. Hudson, managed to slide in JDB cutting behind the St. James defence from the left but his cross was headed just the wrong side of the post by Kevin Dick. Then Dylan Doerksen, back from a romantic holiday in La Belle Province, made ground down the right and squared an inch perfect cross along the six yard box to a hard charging Dick, but his one time shot was smothered by some excellent keeping. More keeping heroics followed when Matt Loxley met a corner with a header destined for the top corner until it was tipped onto the bar and out of play. As time wound down CSSC pressed hard for an equalizer that almost came when Zach pounced on a ball bobbling around the St. James box and hit a hard low volley but the keeper was well positioned to smother.
There were some encouraging signs, especially in the second half, but CSSC hasn't fallen this far below .500 in recent memory. Will management opt for the Steelers' model (3 coaches in 52 years) and maintain faith with their coaching staff or will they be a bit more Notts Forest (21 coaches in 10 years) and show the current coaching staff the door?
Man of the Match: Despite the loss, it was all smiles when Kevin Dick pulled out variety packs from two local breweries for post game beers. While Devin Doerksen introduced himself to the delights of Little Brown Jug, a big night of team bonding for those young enough to stay up past midnight was organized by Captain Kamal. General consensus was that although Sean Brown was a hero to go in goal, and Erwan Bouchard put in a heroic performance at the back, Bryce Trupp's contender for goal of the season was worthy of the award.
A casual number counter would have been very satisfied with the 16 player line up going through their pre game paces under the bright lights of Memorial Field on a coolish September evening, But the problem with casual number crunching is that often you can't see what lies beneath the numbers. Like the Afghan army, CSSC's defence had gone missing - with Woolford, M. Hudson, Johnson, Penner, and Sean Brown, who was forced into goal by a sudden COVID scare for CSSC's number one, all unable to suit up along the back. CSSC's long term fans will quickly realize that this left the team with only Phil Amorim as the one recognized defensive starter. In came Patrick, Erwan, and Stef to introduce themselves to each other as the starting whistle blew.
Perhaps it was the lack of familiarity, or perhaps it was St. James' obvious skill going forward, but CSSC found itself down three inside the opening 30 minutes, which before the game, ace coach Devin Doerksen told them they should not do. The first came when a long range St. James shot had a bit too much outside the boot to it and swerved away from the goal to what would have been safety had not an alert right winger nipped in to latch onto the ball and one time it past Brown. It was two on a goal of tremendous quality. In other seasons it would be goal of the year, yet it wasn't even the goal of the match (foreshadowing is an important literary device). CSSC managed to half clear a St. James attack, but the ball fell kindly to lurking number 26 about 25 yards out who hit an absolute screamer of a half volley that bent away from Brown and into the top corner. Even St. James had the good graces not to celebrate their third. An in swinging corner beyond the CSSC far post hit a defender squarely in the tummy, ricocheted back across the CSSC net and was turned in by an unknowing Brown. Tragedy and farce all rolled into one. Things were threatening to go really south when Bryce Trupp provided just the inspiration that that CSSC needed. Having just been thwarted by a stellar save after Zach Chioua rampaged through the St. James D and rolled it to him across the six yard box, Bryce went for the video game "what is easy is hard, and what is hard is easy" mantra by picking up a harmless cross field pass 30 yards out on the right, taking a touch to cut inside onto his favoured left foot and smacking a bending rocket into the top corner. If a pie plate was suspended between crossbar and post, it would have been smashed to a million pieces. Would that be enough to rouse sleepy CSSC?
Early second half momentum certainly suggested that it did. Kamal chased down a ball played down the left, beat his defender to tightrope along the end line and when his low driven cross was spilled by the keeper, there was JDB to slot home. Clawed back to a goal down with lots of time to play but what would have been a comeback for the ages was not to be, although it wasn't down to a lack of chances. I. Hudson, managed to slide in JDB cutting behind the St. James defence from the left but his cross was headed just the wrong side of the post by Kevin Dick. Then Dylan Doerksen, back from a romantic holiday in La Belle Province, made ground down the right and squared an inch perfect cross along the six yard box to a hard charging Dick, but his one time shot was smothered by some excellent keeping. More keeping heroics followed when Matt Loxley met a corner with a header destined for the top corner until it was tipped onto the bar and out of play. As time wound down CSSC pressed hard for an equalizer that almost came when Zach pounced on a ball bobbling around the St. James box and hit a hard low volley but the keeper was well positioned to smother.
There were some encouraging signs, especially in the second half, but CSSC hasn't fallen this far below .500 in recent memory. Will management opt for the Steelers' model (3 coaches in 52 years) and maintain faith with their coaching staff or will they be a bit more Notts Forest (21 coaches in 10 years) and show the current coaching staff the door?
Man of the Match: Despite the loss, it was all smiles when Kevin Dick pulled out variety packs from two local breweries for post game beers. While Devin Doerksen introduced himself to the delights of Little Brown Jug, a big night of team bonding for those young enough to stay up past midnight was organized by Captain Kamal. General consensus was that although Sean Brown was a hero to go in goal, and Erwan Bouchard put in a heroic performance at the back, Bryce Trupp's contender for goal of the season was worthy of the award.
CSSC 0 – 4 Elmwood
The MMSL has designed a schedule better suited for owls and bats than for human beings with actual morning jobs, so the 9pm start at “Winnipeg’s best soccer field,” Memorial Park seemed like a prime time kickoff. The relatively early start attracted a large crowd, with former CSSC super stars Pete Hudson, Ali Chioua, Charaf Charaoui, and Bruce Sewart packing the bleachers to create a cauldron of pro CSSC support. CSSC was putting its middle of the table form up against high fliers Elmwood, and their league leading goal poacher, who has managed a pretty impressive 9 goals in 6 games, a strike rate that would turn Harry Kane green with envy.
The first half was pretty much honors even. Elmwood have pace all across the field and have a couple of very skilled center midfielders but CSSC’s own midfield triangle of Boese, Loxley and Chioua were holding a pretty wicked attack force at bay. There was basically once chance for each side. Elmwood’s lightening quick striker only once got in behind Phil, Patrick and Van in CSSC’s three man back line, and when they did, CSSC fans were delighted to see returning first string keeper Mac Andries come flying out to snuff out the danger. On the CSSC side, when the Elmwood keeper had to come racing out of the goal to thwart a dangerous through ball, his clearance fell right to Kevin Dick about 35 yards out, but with a keeper free net to aim at, Dick’s lob curved agonizingly wide.
The second half was honors less even. Both sides created chances early. Mac made two identical highlight one-on-one saves to keep the game level, and at the other end, Miguel dribbled his way into the Elmwood box and passed just behind the hard charging Bryce who would have had a simple far post tap in. Then a collapse as sudden and tragic as the twin towers (hyperbole people!!) when four goals were conceded in the last twenty minutes. They say that speed always wins, unless you’re Wolves and Adama Traore is playing, and Elmwood’s lightening quick forwards created two penalties in quick succession by getting in behind the CSSC defense, forcing desperate lunges that sent the attackers tumbling and the ref’s whistle peeping (although Greg Boese maintains that he most definitely got a toe to the ball). Both were dispatched. The third arrived when Mac dove to push aside a low rocket but the Elmwood strikers were first to the rebound. The final tally was the result of a fast counter off a CSSC corner that saw an Elmwood forward running at a single CSSC defender, putting on a tasty out-then-in move and slotting home at the near post. Time at the very end for JDB to coax an Elmwood defender into an unwise bit of shin kicking inside the box, but the penalty was a bit too close to the Elmwood keeper who was delighted to keep the clean sheet.
As CSSC trudged off after the late collapse, Pete Hudson perhaps overly honestly declared, that they were “a little out of their league.” But that would completely ignore the first 70 minutes of fairly even play against one of the best teams in the division.
Man of the Match: These late starts are doing nothing for CSSC’s ability to support the early closing Winnipeg bars, so it was outdoor beers yet again – mostly Coronas generously provided by Boese doing his best Snoop Dogg impression. Thank god the temperatures are still balmy. The assembled crowd felt that Matt Loxley deserved recognition for an energetic ball winning, cool distributing effort at holding midfield. But, despite letting four balls go by, Mac deserved the nod for a game so wonderful that curmudgeonly Pete Hudson singled him out as the only bright light in CSSC’s otherwise dark performance.
The MMSL has designed a schedule better suited for owls and bats than for human beings with actual morning jobs, so the 9pm start at “Winnipeg’s best soccer field,” Memorial Park seemed like a prime time kickoff. The relatively early start attracted a large crowd, with former CSSC super stars Pete Hudson, Ali Chioua, Charaf Charaoui, and Bruce Sewart packing the bleachers to create a cauldron of pro CSSC support. CSSC was putting its middle of the table form up against high fliers Elmwood, and their league leading goal poacher, who has managed a pretty impressive 9 goals in 6 games, a strike rate that would turn Harry Kane green with envy.
The first half was pretty much honors even. Elmwood have pace all across the field and have a couple of very skilled center midfielders but CSSC’s own midfield triangle of Boese, Loxley and Chioua were holding a pretty wicked attack force at bay. There was basically once chance for each side. Elmwood’s lightening quick striker only once got in behind Phil, Patrick and Van in CSSC’s three man back line, and when they did, CSSC fans were delighted to see returning first string keeper Mac Andries come flying out to snuff out the danger. On the CSSC side, when the Elmwood keeper had to come racing out of the goal to thwart a dangerous through ball, his clearance fell right to Kevin Dick about 35 yards out, but with a keeper free net to aim at, Dick’s lob curved agonizingly wide.
The second half was honors less even. Both sides created chances early. Mac made two identical highlight one-on-one saves to keep the game level, and at the other end, Miguel dribbled his way into the Elmwood box and passed just behind the hard charging Bryce who would have had a simple far post tap in. Then a collapse as sudden and tragic as the twin towers (hyperbole people!!) when four goals were conceded in the last twenty minutes. They say that speed always wins, unless you’re Wolves and Adama Traore is playing, and Elmwood’s lightening quick forwards created two penalties in quick succession by getting in behind the CSSC defense, forcing desperate lunges that sent the attackers tumbling and the ref’s whistle peeping (although Greg Boese maintains that he most definitely got a toe to the ball). Both were dispatched. The third arrived when Mac dove to push aside a low rocket but the Elmwood strikers were first to the rebound. The final tally was the result of a fast counter off a CSSC corner that saw an Elmwood forward running at a single CSSC defender, putting on a tasty out-then-in move and slotting home at the near post. Time at the very end for JDB to coax an Elmwood defender into an unwise bit of shin kicking inside the box, but the penalty was a bit too close to the Elmwood keeper who was delighted to keep the clean sheet.
As CSSC trudged off after the late collapse, Pete Hudson perhaps overly honestly declared, that they were “a little out of their league.” But that would completely ignore the first 70 minutes of fairly even play against one of the best teams in the division.
Man of the Match: These late starts are doing nothing for CSSC’s ability to support the early closing Winnipeg bars, so it was outdoor beers yet again – mostly Coronas generously provided by Boese doing his best Snoop Dogg impression. Thank god the temperatures are still balmy. The assembled crowd felt that Matt Loxley deserved recognition for an energetic ball winning, cool distributing effort at holding midfield. But, despite letting four balls go by, Mac deserved the nod for a game so wonderful that curmudgeonly Pete Hudson singled him out as the only bright light in CSSC’s otherwise dark performance.
Dirty Garry's 2 - 2 CSSC
In the mid ranges of the MMSL divisional structure, match outcomes are often as much the result as being able to convince and cajole a reasonable line up to show for a 10pm game than any actual measure of talent. From this perspective, CSSC was looking good going into the game, with a solid six person bench looking across at Dirty Garry's completely empty luxury seating in the home team's dugout. The only downside was CSSC management's less than successful attempt to convince either of its top two keepers to show up, forcing a Hudson to don the green jersey for the second time so far this season.
It started out very well. CSSC's new look five person midfield was stringing some nice quick passes together, although the tidy possession wasn't yielding too many clear cut chances until Z. Chioua released JDB down the left with a delightful swing of the outside of his boot. JDB, like a young, better coiffed, Arjen Robben, cut in from his off wing and unleashed an unstoppable rocket low into the near corner. But then almost immediately, disaster. Garry's had already shown that they had considerable speed up front when they got in behind the CSSC back line and delivered a dangerous low cross that keeper Hudson was grateful to see bobble off the shins of the onrushing striker and into his fortunately positioned arms rather than planted in the roof of the net. Then, a gigantic Garry's boot upfield evaded the entire CSSC back line creating a clear cut breakaway from center, which the Dirty forward rifled past Hudson despite Woolford's heroic attempts to make up ground and snuff out the attack. A second Dirty goal arrived soon after. A corner was only part cleared and fell to the feet of a Garry at the top of the box. He hit a shot that lacked power but was right in the corner and squeezed between the legs of a very crowded box and beyond the sluggish dive of the back up keeper. "he would have seen that late," a charitable commentator would have said. The scorer's celebration was more of surprise than excitement, a sure sign of an infrequent goal getter.
Down 2 - 1 at the half, but playing a team with no subs - it was a glass half full kind of scenario. It probably wouldn't be fair to say that CSSC laid siege to the Garry's goal, but the entire half was definitely played so far down that pitch that Hudson in the CSSC goal had a very difficult time telling what was going on. Mostly it seemed like Garry's eight person in the box defence was effectively thwarting all that CSSC could throw at it. It was the kind of match that called for the slick dribbling and cool finishing of Dylan Doerksen, but he was otherwise occupied as the pin up model for Fresh Co's latest promotional campaign. There were a couple of very close calls. A low cross to the far post glanced off the wrong side of new signing Bryce Trupp's leg with the goal begging and Les Bleus call up Erwan Bouchard could have turned hero but his close range effort to divert a low cross home ballooned up and off the bar instead of nestling firmly in the back of the net. Finally, it was up to Z. Chioua to work some free kick magic to rescue the point. After Baragan was fouled out right, Zach swung in a dangerous free kick that may or may not have been diverted into the net by Kevin Dick (Kevin says yes and who would doubt him, but the game sheet says no). There was time left for one more fortunate escape, this time on the CSSC side, when a Garry free kick was diverted at the CSSC goal from very close range. Somehow Hudson was already lying on the ground in the corner of the goal to snuff out the danger.
Some honor was restored with the late goal, but chances are good that Garry's was feeling a bit better about a smash and grab tie. You might even call the result a little dirty ("you're better than that" says the editor).
Man of the Match: Zach's free kick, deflected or not, rescued at least one point and he was a hard charging source of danger all game. However, Jude's sweetly taken goal, constant danger all night, and mockery of the beer snobs ("do you know how ridiculous you all sound right now!") at the very late night CSSC post game beer session wins the award. Speaking of which, a big thank you to Andrew and the rest of the Woolford family who, knowingly or not, hosted a midnight to 2am backyard post game that puts him well ahead in the running for this year's Mr CSSC award.
In the mid ranges of the MMSL divisional structure, match outcomes are often as much the result as being able to convince and cajole a reasonable line up to show for a 10pm game than any actual measure of talent. From this perspective, CSSC was looking good going into the game, with a solid six person bench looking across at Dirty Garry's completely empty luxury seating in the home team's dugout. The only downside was CSSC management's less than successful attempt to convince either of its top two keepers to show up, forcing a Hudson to don the green jersey for the second time so far this season.
It started out very well. CSSC's new look five person midfield was stringing some nice quick passes together, although the tidy possession wasn't yielding too many clear cut chances until Z. Chioua released JDB down the left with a delightful swing of the outside of his boot. JDB, like a young, better coiffed, Arjen Robben, cut in from his off wing and unleashed an unstoppable rocket low into the near corner. But then almost immediately, disaster. Garry's had already shown that they had considerable speed up front when they got in behind the CSSC back line and delivered a dangerous low cross that keeper Hudson was grateful to see bobble off the shins of the onrushing striker and into his fortunately positioned arms rather than planted in the roof of the net. Then, a gigantic Garry's boot upfield evaded the entire CSSC back line creating a clear cut breakaway from center, which the Dirty forward rifled past Hudson despite Woolford's heroic attempts to make up ground and snuff out the attack. A second Dirty goal arrived soon after. A corner was only part cleared and fell to the feet of a Garry at the top of the box. He hit a shot that lacked power but was right in the corner and squeezed between the legs of a very crowded box and beyond the sluggish dive of the back up keeper. "he would have seen that late," a charitable commentator would have said. The scorer's celebration was more of surprise than excitement, a sure sign of an infrequent goal getter.
Down 2 - 1 at the half, but playing a team with no subs - it was a glass half full kind of scenario. It probably wouldn't be fair to say that CSSC laid siege to the Garry's goal, but the entire half was definitely played so far down that pitch that Hudson in the CSSC goal had a very difficult time telling what was going on. Mostly it seemed like Garry's eight person in the box defence was effectively thwarting all that CSSC could throw at it. It was the kind of match that called for the slick dribbling and cool finishing of Dylan Doerksen, but he was otherwise occupied as the pin up model for Fresh Co's latest promotional campaign. There were a couple of very close calls. A low cross to the far post glanced off the wrong side of new signing Bryce Trupp's leg with the goal begging and Les Bleus call up Erwan Bouchard could have turned hero but his close range effort to divert a low cross home ballooned up and off the bar instead of nestling firmly in the back of the net. Finally, it was up to Z. Chioua to work some free kick magic to rescue the point. After Baragan was fouled out right, Zach swung in a dangerous free kick that may or may not have been diverted into the net by Kevin Dick (Kevin says yes and who would doubt him, but the game sheet says no). There was time left for one more fortunate escape, this time on the CSSC side, when a Garry free kick was diverted at the CSSC goal from very close range. Somehow Hudson was already lying on the ground in the corner of the goal to snuff out the danger.
Some honor was restored with the late goal, but chances are good that Garry's was feeling a bit better about a smash and grab tie. You might even call the result a little dirty ("you're better than that" says the editor).
Man of the Match: Zach's free kick, deflected or not, rescued at least one point and he was a hard charging source of danger all game. However, Jude's sweetly taken goal, constant danger all night, and mockery of the beer snobs ("do you know how ridiculous you all sound right now!") at the very late night CSSC post game beer session wins the award. Speaking of which, a big thank you to Andrew and the rest of the Woolford family who, knowingly or not, hosted a midnight to 2am backyard post game that puts him well ahead in the running for this year's Mr CSSC award.
Landmark 1 - 7 CSSC
It was needs must in the CSSC lineup. With all four starting forwards either absent or in net (thanks again Bob Walden) and only four healthy defenders, CSSC took advantage of its midfield heavy squad by starting its three most attacking mids (Zach, Jude and Dylan) up front and deployed a five person midfield anchored by Greg Boese and Van Penner as the deep pivots.
Amazingly it worked. The first half should have seen CSSC strolling clear as chances were created and squandered with amazing regularity. The CSSC forwards were regularly getting in behind the very high Landmark back line but couldn't quite apply the finishing touch. Just to provide one example, Zach picked up the ball at the half, beat his man and cut in behind the sweeper to put himself alone on goal, but a slightly heavy touch, no doubt caused by the marginally long Buhler turf, sent the ball gently rolling into the grateful keeper's arms. Despite all its chances CSSC could have gone into the break down one when a Landmark corner caused an almighty goal mouth scramble in which four close range shots were somehow blocked or hacked away by an increasingly desperate CSSC defense. Half time analysts are still trying to figure out how both nets remained empty.
The very early second half suggested that it, perhaps, was not to be CSSC's night. Five minutes in, Jude got to the byline and cut back a lovely cross right onto the foot of I. Hudson making the classic late run into the box. Hudson hit a point blank sighter, destined for the low near corner, only to see the keeper get the very tip of his longest cleat to the ball and deflect it onto the post. Seconds later, it was roles reversed as Hudson sent a through ball behind Landmark's still very high back line that picked out Jude, but with only the keeper to beat he plonked it off a very generous midriff. Not to worry, only a minute later Jude was fouled right on the top of the box and Dylan stepped up to plant an inch perfect free kick over the wall and just under the bar to open the floodgates. And how they opened. Jude teed up Van Penner who placed a seeing eye daisy cutter into the far corner. Jude got the goal his performance deserved when Boese sent him sprinting clear to roll an unstoppable shot into the far corner. Dylan got his second after an unfortunate Landmark defender scuffed what he no doubt thought was going to be a rocket of a clearance into a slow roller right to Dylan standing on the six yard box. There was only ever going to be one outcome. There was still time for Bryce Trupp, returning from a long term injury, to fire home two goals to celebrate his improved health. In there somewhere was another goal, which the match reported cannot remember at all. The score sheet says Zach and I'm sure it was a cracker. Walden's shut out was shattered late on when Dylan took a break from scoring to deftly rob a Landmark striker with an inch perfect sliding tackle that the ref mistook for a violent foul in the box. The resulting penalty was converted to general ennui. Seven to one. No one saw that coming after CSSC managed a grand total of one goal in the previous two games.
Man of the Match: A massive ten person beer turnout prompted panic among the staff at the Wood who banished us to the bar prison that is the private room. Despite the tight spaces, the drinkers managed to impress the wait staff with "a love of vegetables," solve the problem of blimps - winches !!!, and get introduced to the dining delights of smoked olives, lupini beans, and DQ's hidden, non menu, insider Blizzard options. Most educational drinking session ever. And Greg Boese was Man of the Match for his rock solid tackling and visionary passing in the deep lying midfield role. Campfire Cauliflower for a reward. Tasty!
It was needs must in the CSSC lineup. With all four starting forwards either absent or in net (thanks again Bob Walden) and only four healthy defenders, CSSC took advantage of its midfield heavy squad by starting its three most attacking mids (Zach, Jude and Dylan) up front and deployed a five person midfield anchored by Greg Boese and Van Penner as the deep pivots.
Amazingly it worked. The first half should have seen CSSC strolling clear as chances were created and squandered with amazing regularity. The CSSC forwards were regularly getting in behind the very high Landmark back line but couldn't quite apply the finishing touch. Just to provide one example, Zach picked up the ball at the half, beat his man and cut in behind the sweeper to put himself alone on goal, but a slightly heavy touch, no doubt caused by the marginally long Buhler turf, sent the ball gently rolling into the grateful keeper's arms. Despite all its chances CSSC could have gone into the break down one when a Landmark corner caused an almighty goal mouth scramble in which four close range shots were somehow blocked or hacked away by an increasingly desperate CSSC defense. Half time analysts are still trying to figure out how both nets remained empty.
The very early second half suggested that it, perhaps, was not to be CSSC's night. Five minutes in, Jude got to the byline and cut back a lovely cross right onto the foot of I. Hudson making the classic late run into the box. Hudson hit a point blank sighter, destined for the low near corner, only to see the keeper get the very tip of his longest cleat to the ball and deflect it onto the post. Seconds later, it was roles reversed as Hudson sent a through ball behind Landmark's still very high back line that picked out Jude, but with only the keeper to beat he plonked it off a very generous midriff. Not to worry, only a minute later Jude was fouled right on the top of the box and Dylan stepped up to plant an inch perfect free kick over the wall and just under the bar to open the floodgates. And how they opened. Jude teed up Van Penner who placed a seeing eye daisy cutter into the far corner. Jude got the goal his performance deserved when Boese sent him sprinting clear to roll an unstoppable shot into the far corner. Dylan got his second after an unfortunate Landmark defender scuffed what he no doubt thought was going to be a rocket of a clearance into a slow roller right to Dylan standing on the six yard box. There was only ever going to be one outcome. There was still time for Bryce Trupp, returning from a long term injury, to fire home two goals to celebrate his improved health. In there somewhere was another goal, which the match reported cannot remember at all. The score sheet says Zach and I'm sure it was a cracker. Walden's shut out was shattered late on when Dylan took a break from scoring to deftly rob a Landmark striker with an inch perfect sliding tackle that the ref mistook for a violent foul in the box. The resulting penalty was converted to general ennui. Seven to one. No one saw that coming after CSSC managed a grand total of one goal in the previous two games.
Man of the Match: A massive ten person beer turnout prompted panic among the staff at the Wood who banished us to the bar prison that is the private room. Despite the tight spaces, the drinkers managed to impress the wait staff with "a love of vegetables," solve the problem of blimps - winches !!!, and get introduced to the dining delights of smoked olives, lupini beans, and DQ's hidden, non menu, insider Blizzard options. Most educational drinking session ever. And Greg Boese was Man of the Match for his rock solid tackling and visionary passing in the deep lying midfield role. Campfire Cauliflower for a reward. Tasty!
CSSC 1 – Stonewall 4
CSSC was scrambling a little for bodies. Matt Loxley had to be coaxed away from frizbee throwing and all three subs were carrying a knock of one kind or another. However, the Stonewall bench was so empty that their one sub kept on trying to spark up conversations with the CSSC onlookers.
It was a bit of a midfield duel early on, with neither team gaining the upper hand. Miguel, Phil, Matt Loxley and Greg Boese were working a few nice passing combinations in the middle of the park, one of which opened up a half chance for Kevin Dick but the keeper tipped his bender onto the bar and out of play. About 20 minutes in, the game swung with rapid fire, identikit goals. Tragically, they were both from Stonewall. In the first, marauding number 4 swept right up the middle of the park, worked a tidy one-two at the top of the box and, in clear on an undefended Mac, swept home. The second was even more direct. Number 19 picked up the ball at right back, shifted into what was, admittedly, a high gear and blew right through the heart of CSSC to again slot beyond an unprotected Mac in the CSSC goal. CSSC kept the ball well but couldn’t match that cutting edge.
The second half saw a bit more CSSC action around the Stonewall box but without creating the killer pass or fantastic shot that would have clawed the game back. And then further disaster as I. Hudson committed a cardinal defending error, straight out of “things to avoid” 101, when he received the ball under pressure about 25 yards from his own goal and, rather than turning it wide, attempted a poorly placed square ball that only found a lurking Stonewall midfielder. He shifted the ball onto his right foot and hit an absolute rocket, which Mac most likely would have had covered if it had not ticked off M. Hudson’s shinpad as he made a desperate attempt to cover up for his brother’s gross error by lunging to block the shot. Three down. And then it was four. See goals one and two. At the very least CSSC continued to play when down. Zach received a lovely through ball from Van Penner and cut into the Stonewall box only to be felled from behind for a dead cert penalty. Kamal stepped up but his spot kick was turned aside. CSSC finally broke the egg when a low cross from Zach was turned in by Kevin Dick. A consolation goal not even worthy of the name.
Post match beers were at "The Wood,” which, as noticed by the drinkers, seems to have expanded to become a very big room. For CSSC, the biggest room is the room for improvement.
Man of the Match: CSSC didn’t exactly cover itself in glory. Zach did his best to provide some offensive spark and M. Hudson was his usual ball winning, cool distributing force at the back. Devin Doerksen kept a keen eye on the time for the CSSC subs. He was probably the best at his job all evening.
CSSC was scrambling a little for bodies. Matt Loxley had to be coaxed away from frizbee throwing and all three subs were carrying a knock of one kind or another. However, the Stonewall bench was so empty that their one sub kept on trying to spark up conversations with the CSSC onlookers.
It was a bit of a midfield duel early on, with neither team gaining the upper hand. Miguel, Phil, Matt Loxley and Greg Boese were working a few nice passing combinations in the middle of the park, one of which opened up a half chance for Kevin Dick but the keeper tipped his bender onto the bar and out of play. About 20 minutes in, the game swung with rapid fire, identikit goals. Tragically, they were both from Stonewall. In the first, marauding number 4 swept right up the middle of the park, worked a tidy one-two at the top of the box and, in clear on an undefended Mac, swept home. The second was even more direct. Number 19 picked up the ball at right back, shifted into what was, admittedly, a high gear and blew right through the heart of CSSC to again slot beyond an unprotected Mac in the CSSC goal. CSSC kept the ball well but couldn’t match that cutting edge.
The second half saw a bit more CSSC action around the Stonewall box but without creating the killer pass or fantastic shot that would have clawed the game back. And then further disaster as I. Hudson committed a cardinal defending error, straight out of “things to avoid” 101, when he received the ball under pressure about 25 yards from his own goal and, rather than turning it wide, attempted a poorly placed square ball that only found a lurking Stonewall midfielder. He shifted the ball onto his right foot and hit an absolute rocket, which Mac most likely would have had covered if it had not ticked off M. Hudson’s shinpad as he made a desperate attempt to cover up for his brother’s gross error by lunging to block the shot. Three down. And then it was four. See goals one and two. At the very least CSSC continued to play when down. Zach received a lovely through ball from Van Penner and cut into the Stonewall box only to be felled from behind for a dead cert penalty. Kamal stepped up but his spot kick was turned aside. CSSC finally broke the egg when a low cross from Zach was turned in by Kevin Dick. A consolation goal not even worthy of the name.
Post match beers were at "The Wood,” which, as noticed by the drinkers, seems to have expanded to become a very big room. For CSSC, the biggest room is the room for improvement.
Man of the Match: CSSC didn’t exactly cover itself in glory. Zach did his best to provide some offensive spark and M. Hudson was his usual ball winning, cool distributing force at the back. Devin Doerksen kept a keen eye on the time for the CSSC subs. He was probably the best at his job all evening.
Richmond 3 - 0 CSSC
Match report courtesy of budding sports correspondent Matt Brett, who tempted fate in the last match report by claiming that CSSC "would face tougher opposition this year."
With Mac missing between the posts, it fell to a Hudson brother coin-toss for who would stand between the verticals. Mark sat the game out with an injury, leaving Ian subject to Richmond’s attack.
CSSC have a unique history with Richmond, having clobbered them something like 7-1 only to lose in a closely contested game shortly after. (Richmond are normally in Division 4, a level above CSSC.)
For all their youth and pace, Richmond started on their heels. Crescentwood were the dominant team for the opening 20 minutes, making clean passes and plays, gaining the lion’s share of opportunities.
Ian’s butterfingers (in fairness his keeper gloves were fingerless) nearly allowed a bobbling ball to trickle across the goal-line but Hudson managed to skuttle the ball away.
CSSC played very well in face of strong opposition for most of the first half, nearly capitalizing on a weird goalie error and coming close with other opportunities (a lovely pass from Miguel to Dylan, Kamal coming close once or twice, Dylan forcing a turnover that Matt shot high, among others).
But then, cracks began to emerge late in the first half. Van got a yellow card, Ian had to make a clutch save right on the goal-line and CSSC’s shape began to show cracks. Richmond won a turnover at the top of the CSSC box, stringing some nice passes together followed by a solid shot from outside the box that coasted in. 0-1 Richmond. This was followed in short-order by an unfortunate CSSC defensive slip-up deep in our box that resulted in a second goal. 0-2 for Richmond before the half time whistle.
SECOND HALF
You may have heard of Wandavison, but the second half match report is brought to you by Rainavision: blurry, perhaps not accurate, but certainly entertaining.
Richmond’s most threatening striker unloaded a stunning, powerful belter from outside the box that no goalkeeper could stop. This was truly highlight reel material worthy of a Valour match. 0-3 to Richmond.
Jude made an absolute peach of a through-pass to Kamal, but the tidy effort was denied. We had a beautiful chance off a set play, with Kevin floating a lovely free kick that nearly stroked the back of the net. Jude played yet another beautiful through-ball to Dylan, who was shut down in his effort on goal.
Richmond closed with a scrappy effort on the line that trickled wide followed by a strike from their powerful striker that came really close. Final score at the whistle: 0-3.
Taking the first 20 minutes as the only measure, CSSC were the dominant team. If only football and life could be segmented to moments of quality and glory, cutting out the rest. But then surely, victory would not taste as sweet when it comes along. The youth, pace and – it must be said – modest talent of Richmond was too much for CSSC, ground down by the fate of time. It was a fairly quality performance from CSSC, however, not to be overlooked.
Post-game antics included revealing insights into Matt Loxley’s interpretive coffee art and other Instagram classics including CSSC legend Sue’s anti-Insta stardom. Great laughs were had.
On a personal note, it was REALLY nice to see the team. I talk about Crescentwood like I’m on the full-time roster because I love the squad (“we won,” “our team is shite” and other terms of endearment). Please give a shout anytime you are in Montréal; we’ll get you on the pitch with our squad, Solidarité FC. Have a great season.
Man of the Match: this prestigious weekly award is split evenly this week between Zach and Raina. Zach put in a powerful effort in central midfield, regularly winning possession at both ends to effectively build play. Raina brought tasty beers for the parking lot post-game hangout.
Match report courtesy of budding sports correspondent Matt Brett, who tempted fate in the last match report by claiming that CSSC "would face tougher opposition this year."
With Mac missing between the posts, it fell to a Hudson brother coin-toss for who would stand between the verticals. Mark sat the game out with an injury, leaving Ian subject to Richmond’s attack.
CSSC have a unique history with Richmond, having clobbered them something like 7-1 only to lose in a closely contested game shortly after. (Richmond are normally in Division 4, a level above CSSC.)
For all their youth and pace, Richmond started on their heels. Crescentwood were the dominant team for the opening 20 minutes, making clean passes and plays, gaining the lion’s share of opportunities.
Ian’s butterfingers (in fairness his keeper gloves were fingerless) nearly allowed a bobbling ball to trickle across the goal-line but Hudson managed to skuttle the ball away.
CSSC played very well in face of strong opposition for most of the first half, nearly capitalizing on a weird goalie error and coming close with other opportunities (a lovely pass from Miguel to Dylan, Kamal coming close once or twice, Dylan forcing a turnover that Matt shot high, among others).
But then, cracks began to emerge late in the first half. Van got a yellow card, Ian had to make a clutch save right on the goal-line and CSSC’s shape began to show cracks. Richmond won a turnover at the top of the CSSC box, stringing some nice passes together followed by a solid shot from outside the box that coasted in. 0-1 Richmond. This was followed in short-order by an unfortunate CSSC defensive slip-up deep in our box that resulted in a second goal. 0-2 for Richmond before the half time whistle.
SECOND HALF
You may have heard of Wandavison, but the second half match report is brought to you by Rainavision: blurry, perhaps not accurate, but certainly entertaining.
Richmond’s most threatening striker unloaded a stunning, powerful belter from outside the box that no goalkeeper could stop. This was truly highlight reel material worthy of a Valour match. 0-3 to Richmond.
Jude made an absolute peach of a through-pass to Kamal, but the tidy effort was denied. We had a beautiful chance off a set play, with Kevin floating a lovely free kick that nearly stroked the back of the net. Jude played yet another beautiful through-ball to Dylan, who was shut down in his effort on goal.
Richmond closed with a scrappy effort on the line that trickled wide followed by a strike from their powerful striker that came really close. Final score at the whistle: 0-3.
Taking the first 20 minutes as the only measure, CSSC were the dominant team. If only football and life could be segmented to moments of quality and glory, cutting out the rest. But then surely, victory would not taste as sweet when it comes along. The youth, pace and – it must be said – modest talent of Richmond was too much for CSSC, ground down by the fate of time. It was a fairly quality performance from CSSC, however, not to be overlooked.
Post-game antics included revealing insights into Matt Loxley’s interpretive coffee art and other Instagram classics including CSSC legend Sue’s anti-Insta stardom. Great laughs were had.
On a personal note, it was REALLY nice to see the team. I talk about Crescentwood like I’m on the full-time roster because I love the squad (“we won,” “our team is shite” and other terms of endearment). Please give a shout anytime you are in Montréal; we’ll get you on the pitch with our squad, Solidarité FC. Have a great season.
Man of the Match: this prestigious weekly award is split evenly this week between Zach and Raina. Zach put in a powerful effort in central midfield, regularly winning possession at both ends to effectively build play. Raina brought tasty beers for the parking lot post-game hangout.
CSSC 4 - 2 Polonia
Match report and stunning photo gallery by CSSC exile Matt Brett
Existentialism and heartfelt emotion are the only sensible sentiments to capture when writing a mildly drunken match review at 3:10 a.m. while nibbling on a 7-Eleven spicy beef thing from those heat trays. Let us begin.
What are we to make of this particular fucked up conjuncture in world history? We are not just playing a match of football. Quite frankly, we never have. Previously, we played amidst global depressions and wars. Today, we play under a milky haze of forest fire smoke, months later than normal because of a global pandemic, brought together in this surreal moment thanks to our feet and a ball: football.
If we are to believe (as I do) Ted Lasso’s assistant coach, Coach Beard, football was created as a way to stop young men from masturbating by having them do something that does not involve their hands.
And that is perhaps the existential answer to what brings us here. The world is fucked up, and life makes little sense, so why not play a game that feels good? There are only so many hours in the day to masturbate, so why not run around with friends for a while?
The match itself is of little interest – and yet of utmost importance – because it is the glue that binds us. Without the match, we would not be together. But the match is just a game. What matters most, what we remember and care for, are the people.
Still, everyone ultimately wants juicy match report details. One can only willingly oblige:
* * *
Polonia opened scoring into the first half, capitalizing off a free kick with a gentle header into our net. Fuckers. 0-1.
Fortunately, Mark Hudson responded with a very tidy pass to Dylan, who calmly passed the ball into the corner of the opposition net. All is well in the world. 1-1.
Mark then doubled the favour with a lovely lobbing pass to Kamal, who hustled and jostled his way into the box, going toe-to-toe with the keeper only to be taken down, earning a penalty. Kevin put that away tidily. 2-1.
Kevin doubled his display with a nice floating pass to Dylan, who bundled in his second goal of the game. 3-1 Crescentwood.
Polonia capitalized on a corner kick that was not cleared from the box, clawing away a second goal. 3-2.
Van then rightly earned (a nicely embellished) penalty that Kevin scored once again. 4-2.
Jude (never talk about the Beatles) took his fair share of knocks. You could say it was a hard day’s night as he dribbled his way down Abbey Road and through strawberry fields, twisting and shouting with a little help from his friends. His trip across the universe and down Penny Lane resulted in a free kick that Kevin shot high, so Jude had to just let it be.
Van’s karma for an easy penalty was getting a call against him, resulting in a penalty that should not have been. Even Polonia’s ‘fouled’ player said as much. Fortunately, their penalty kick went high.
Other things happened in this game.
Then, the final whistle was blown.
* * *
Crescentwood will face much tougher opposition, but it is always fun to start the season with a fun and clean win, and there was lots of promise and potential on display.
Crescentwood hit three posts, which, like any good conspiracy theorist, ought to be read into: astrological signs were simply distorted by shedding flakes of vaccinated COVID-19 skin, which refracted in the air and distorted the trajectory of the ball.
The Norwood was closed for a post-game pint, so at least eight of us ended up at The Beer Can, which happened to be hosting a battery-powered flashing hula hoop dance show for someone’s birthday.
Women on stilts also helped us during a fruitful Q&A period about the finer points of donkey jousting, knitting donkey suits, pivoting quickly on stilts to outrun an adversary and other VERY important questions.
Needless to say, there will be an end-of-season party that involves donkey jousting in some form. Matt Brett will insure this happens.
Fan of the Season points are already accruing with Waz, Stef, Rick, Ali and Matt Brett present. Bob’s partner Sarah earns double points as she came to the bar after. Matt is trying to cash in on early Fan of the Season points by taking photos of the game and writing the match report. Bring it on Sarah, you got nothing on me, sucka.
Also, how nice is it to see everyone and share a patch of grass for a while? That’s a rhetorical question. It’s fucking fantastic.
Jude is doing well as he finishes his studies this winter. Tyler shared insights on what drew him politically to the team. Sarah and Bob are charming as hell. And it’s what happens off the pitch that I remember play by play.
Matt Loxley and Matt Brett doubled their Matt powers, sneaking beer out of The Beer Can to enjoy a quiet place on the Assiniboine River. We talked about climate change, the inept Pallister government and the loving memory of John Loxley, sipping warm beer and watching the low slow river crawl along amidst the chatter of crickets.
I will forget this game and its details. We all will. What remains are the people, the smoke-filled skies and the short COVID season. What a time to be alive. What a joy to enjoy the beautiful game together. It is all reminiscent of Mac DeMarco’s song, “Velvet Johnny.” The lyrics, like our current state of affairs, make no sense. It’s just a ramble and a good time.
Man of the Match: in a hotly contested post-game discussion, early opinion swayed Kevin’s way. Two goals and an assist. Other’s felt Dylan deserved it as his two goals were earned during match-play rather than on penalties. Consensus opinion ultimately swayed to Mark Hudson, who provided two match-winning assists/passes and made a number of critical contributions. Congrats coach.
Match report and stunning photo gallery by CSSC exile Matt Brett
Existentialism and heartfelt emotion are the only sensible sentiments to capture when writing a mildly drunken match review at 3:10 a.m. while nibbling on a 7-Eleven spicy beef thing from those heat trays. Let us begin.
What are we to make of this particular fucked up conjuncture in world history? We are not just playing a match of football. Quite frankly, we never have. Previously, we played amidst global depressions and wars. Today, we play under a milky haze of forest fire smoke, months later than normal because of a global pandemic, brought together in this surreal moment thanks to our feet and a ball: football.
If we are to believe (as I do) Ted Lasso’s assistant coach, Coach Beard, football was created as a way to stop young men from masturbating by having them do something that does not involve their hands.
And that is perhaps the existential answer to what brings us here. The world is fucked up, and life makes little sense, so why not play a game that feels good? There are only so many hours in the day to masturbate, so why not run around with friends for a while?
The match itself is of little interest – and yet of utmost importance – because it is the glue that binds us. Without the match, we would not be together. But the match is just a game. What matters most, what we remember and care for, are the people.
Still, everyone ultimately wants juicy match report details. One can only willingly oblige:
* * *
Polonia opened scoring into the first half, capitalizing off a free kick with a gentle header into our net. Fuckers. 0-1.
Fortunately, Mark Hudson responded with a very tidy pass to Dylan, who calmly passed the ball into the corner of the opposition net. All is well in the world. 1-1.
Mark then doubled the favour with a lovely lobbing pass to Kamal, who hustled and jostled his way into the box, going toe-to-toe with the keeper only to be taken down, earning a penalty. Kevin put that away tidily. 2-1.
Kevin doubled his display with a nice floating pass to Dylan, who bundled in his second goal of the game. 3-1 Crescentwood.
Polonia capitalized on a corner kick that was not cleared from the box, clawing away a second goal. 3-2.
Van then rightly earned (a nicely embellished) penalty that Kevin scored once again. 4-2.
Jude (never talk about the Beatles) took his fair share of knocks. You could say it was a hard day’s night as he dribbled his way down Abbey Road and through strawberry fields, twisting and shouting with a little help from his friends. His trip across the universe and down Penny Lane resulted in a free kick that Kevin shot high, so Jude had to just let it be.
Van’s karma for an easy penalty was getting a call against him, resulting in a penalty that should not have been. Even Polonia’s ‘fouled’ player said as much. Fortunately, their penalty kick went high.
Other things happened in this game.
Then, the final whistle was blown.
* * *
Crescentwood will face much tougher opposition, but it is always fun to start the season with a fun and clean win, and there was lots of promise and potential on display.
Crescentwood hit three posts, which, like any good conspiracy theorist, ought to be read into: astrological signs were simply distorted by shedding flakes of vaccinated COVID-19 skin, which refracted in the air and distorted the trajectory of the ball.
The Norwood was closed for a post-game pint, so at least eight of us ended up at The Beer Can, which happened to be hosting a battery-powered flashing hula hoop dance show for someone’s birthday.
Women on stilts also helped us during a fruitful Q&A period about the finer points of donkey jousting, knitting donkey suits, pivoting quickly on stilts to outrun an adversary and other VERY important questions.
Needless to say, there will be an end-of-season party that involves donkey jousting in some form. Matt Brett will insure this happens.
Fan of the Season points are already accruing with Waz, Stef, Rick, Ali and Matt Brett present. Bob’s partner Sarah earns double points as she came to the bar after. Matt is trying to cash in on early Fan of the Season points by taking photos of the game and writing the match report. Bring it on Sarah, you got nothing on me, sucka.
Also, how nice is it to see everyone and share a patch of grass for a while? That’s a rhetorical question. It’s fucking fantastic.
Jude is doing well as he finishes his studies this winter. Tyler shared insights on what drew him politically to the team. Sarah and Bob are charming as hell. And it’s what happens off the pitch that I remember play by play.
Matt Loxley and Matt Brett doubled their Matt powers, sneaking beer out of The Beer Can to enjoy a quiet place on the Assiniboine River. We talked about climate change, the inept Pallister government and the loving memory of John Loxley, sipping warm beer and watching the low slow river crawl along amidst the chatter of crickets.
I will forget this game and its details. We all will. What remains are the people, the smoke-filled skies and the short COVID season. What a time to be alive. What a joy to enjoy the beautiful game together. It is all reminiscent of Mac DeMarco’s song, “Velvet Johnny.” The lyrics, like our current state of affairs, make no sense. It’s just a ramble and a good time.
Man of the Match: in a hotly contested post-game discussion, early opinion swayed Kevin’s way. Two goals and an assist. Other’s felt Dylan deserved it as his two goals were earned during match-play rather than on penalties. Consensus opinion ultimately swayed to Mark Hudson, who provided two match-winning assists/passes and made a number of critical contributions. Congrats coach.