CRU 1 – Libertad 3

Thanks to Luke for this thrilling Match Report.

It was another scalding hot day out at Onion Creek Soccer Complex, and the treeline was visibly upset at the absence of a certain team captain.

Nevertheless, Cameron Road United took the field with 3 subs on the side and a confident starting lineup coming off last week’s 5-0 thrashing of Bobanotgonnascoreonus.

Libertad, a formidable opponent of the Latin persuasion, were not a team to be taken lightly, and CRU braced for their speed and cunning.

Throughout the first half, both sides saw a fair share of possession and shots on goal.

Chris Peterson brought his stellar crossing game this fine morning, narrowly missing cross-head-net connections with Zoran, Willis and McKenna on several different occasions.

Late in the first half, Zoran got the ball outside the box and put up a lovely near-post shot that blasted off the upper-left 90, freezing the goalie and narrowly missing a brilliant finish.

Halftime came with the match still even at 0-0.

The second half got a punchier start, as Libertad pushed hard to challenge the meddle of CRU’s defense — resulting in two yellow cards being handed out: one to Peterson and one to El Jefe. I would like to give a shout-out to the midfield and forwards for tracking back to cover their men.

Libertad was very efficient at moving the ball up the field out of the back, allowing their own midfield to make runs in the offensive third. As wave after wave of Libertad midfielders made of offensive runs deep into CRU territory, the rest of the CRU squad stepped up to help out. And it paid off on all sides of the pitch.

Directly after a CRU counter attack, which led to a Libertad goal kick, I witnessed Chris Peterson say “Fuck It” and lead a charge of the offense to pin the ball down after Libertad tried to go “short” out of the back.

The offense was able to pressure their defense, causing them to cough up the ball and Ciro — using Zoran as a human shield — dribbled his way through two defenders (and Zoran), down the end line and rip a cross across the box.

Dermot was flying through the middle and put the ball away with his big beautiful noggin. Great finish by Dermot and, as he will admit himself, it may have been his first goal scored with his head in 5 seasons.

CRU 1 – 0 Libertad

Libertad continued to press hard and, in a moment of passion, go their chance to equalize when El Jefe tried to clear a cross across the open goal with his fist. The ref issued El Jefe his second yellow, which subsequently became a red card, putting CRU down to 10 men.

In what became only one of many amazing saves of the day, Jay guessed the right side and stopped a pretty well-hit PK by Libertad. He managed to knock the ball down but didn’t see where it went, while the backspin on the ball sent it rolling back toward the open net.

As if a thousand voices screamed out inside Jay’s head, he turned just in time to prevent the equalizer from crossing the goal-line. CRU’s precious 1-0 lead was salvaged.

Unfortunately, Libertad was just beginning. With only 5 minutes left in the match, Libertad’s spicy forward, nicknamed “El Mario” because of his resemblance of Nintendo’s favorite Italian, ripped a SportCenter-worthy shot from the top corner of the 18 to the far upper-ninety.

With the momentum and the numbers, Libertad put two more in before the final whistle, leaving a tough but tired CRU to pick up the pieces of a well-played 85 minutes, and 5 minutes of collapse.

Pre-Game Man of the Match: Jay, for bringing the tent.

Man of the Match: Many well-deserved performances on Sunday, but “18-Elbows” Dermot earns his stripes this week with a great run and finish.

Post-Game Man of the Match: Everyone who brought beer. Thank you.