The Levee Does Not Break: Cameron Road Survive the Flooding Blue Nile

In a game of two halves, Cameron Road rode the first half wind – and survived it in the second – to draw 2-2 with Blue Niles. The high plains of NEMP always prove to be a challenge, and it was looking like CRU would be digging an early grave with a limited squad at game time. Luckily, due to some player identification issues in the Blue Niles camp, the game was delayed long enough for ten Honey Badgers to suit up and get on the pitch by the opening whistle. Well, really nine and a half as Adam bravely showed up despite being sick. Gianluca was also a welcome late comer as he arrived in style straight from a camping trip.

Cameron Road also welcomed back Danimal to the back line for the first time this season and was able to unleash the two-headed beast at center back as Cuyler partnered him in front of Jay.

Knowing that Blue Niles are one of the most talented teams in the league on the ball and can pass it around with Barcelona-like quality, Cameron Road hoped to hold their ground and escape the day with a draw, especially being a man down. As luck would have it, CRU got the wind in the first half which can make all the difference at the windy NEMP complex.

Amazingly, with their first real attack of the game, Cameron Road vaulted on top with a fantastic near post strike from Chris Peterson to take the lead in less than 5 minutes. Gianluca worked the ball down the right channel and flashed the ball across the goal for Peterson to volley into the back of the net. And if that wasn’t enough of a stunner, Gianluca again turned up aces as he punched one in himself from close range to put CRU up by 2 goals in the opening 10 minutes.

It was exactly what Cameron Road needed to unsettle Blue Niles and take some pressure off of the defense. With a 2 goal advantage, Way  (operating on WST-Way Standard Time) appeared on the horizon and finally gave CRU a full compliment of 11 players to do battle with 16+ Blue Niles squad. He slotted in at right midfield and allowed Stripey to push up top with his European brother.

If you thought Blue Niles were beaten down by 2 goals, you’d be wrong. They exploited the middle of the pitch and mounted many an attack inside the Cameron Road box. Jay was called upon to make some early saves, and the entire CRU squad had to defend and mark as a unit to keep them at bay as they probed the back line and came very close to grabbing a goal.

Managing to hold onto their 2 goal lead, Cameron Road went into halftime needing a breather. With no subs and a blazing hot sun baking down on them, the road weary unit camped out on the sidelines. In a valiant effort to capture what little strength he had left, Adam trudged all the way down to the pavilion to soak up a few precious minutes of shade.

As the second half started, it was clear that the wind was playing a huge factor in the game. Blue Niles played downhill and battered the Cameron Road with attack after attack. They would probe down the middle and ticky-tack pass the ball around the box, waiting for the final opening to unlock the defense. Fortunately, Danimal and the Kraken were there to thwart away most of the attacks, with Andy and Adam manning the flanks. Ciro and Peterson tried to slow down the attacks in the middle of the field, while Way and Chappy dropped deep on the edges to add more cover to the defense.

In what could only be described as inevitable, Blue Niles finally got a breakthrough and nabbed a goal from deep inside the box. Their efforts gave them some needed energy, and they continued to press the game with their slick passing. Although they had most of the possession, Cameron Road were not without an offensive plan of attack. They had several good counter attack opportunities but the effort it was taking to get back on defense was sapping many a midfielder of needed energy.

With another attack down the Cameron Road left, Blue Niles scored a second with a blast from the outside. Jay made a great leap at it, but the rocket shot took them level on goals and set up a fight to the finish for points.

Continuing to press, Blue Niles took advantage of yet another attack to earn a p/k. Luckily, they were unsure who would take the penalty and that confusion led to the kick sailing high and smacking the crossbar. That miss gave Cameron Road enough of a lift to mount a few last gasp counter attacks in hope of a winning goal. Stripey and Gianluca both had chances, and Adam (despite his illness) raced 30 yards onto a ball and almost took the glory himself.

As the referee mercifully blew the whistle, it ended up 2-2. In the end, with the depleted squad and tricky opponent, it was a really good result for Cameron Road and continued their streak of good form.

Man-of-the-Match: This week there are two recipients: Setting the tone early with a quick assist and goal, Gianluca fired Cameron Road into an early lead that proved to vital to their success on the day. And Adam showed the kind of grit, determination, dedication and unwavering desire to do harm to his body by showing up despite being pretty sick.

Man-of-the-Post-Match: He may never quite be able to fill out the necessary requirements of a complete CRU uniform, but Andy filled the ice chest with beer and ice this week.