CRU 0 – Austin Blues 0
Cameron Road survived a tricky tie with Austin Blues on Sunday to keep their dreams of an undefeated season alive and well. With Jay out slumming it with his “other” team, CRU relied on a dynamic duo at keeper and a massive effort by the defense to hold Austin Blues at bay and come out with a draw.
In spite of the low Evite numbers, Cameron Road fielded a full squad with 3 subs, and the defense was bolstered by Cuyler’s fiery return to the pitch. His mammouth presence was a strong addition to the bounty of defenders already in place including Crosley, Luke, Dave, Jeff and Peyton. The entire D played a great game, especially with the offense sputtering and failing to provide sustained attacks throughout the match.
Dermot gets a gold star for starting his first game between the pipes in the first half. He didn’t have to make too many stops, but he could be heard bellowing out instructions at the half line.
With the wind at their backs, Cameron Road tried to get things going in the first half, but just couldn’t test the keeper like they had hoped to. BT’s early shot sizzled wide of goal, and unfortunately it would be his last action of the game as his pesky calf injury reared it’s ugly head again. As Ryan and Peterson patrolled the middle of the pitch, they tried to work the balls to Adam and Way on the flanks, or Chappy and Gianluca up top. Unfortunately, the chances weren’t coming like they had in recent weeks. Credit Austin Blues though, they seemed the toughest competition CRU had faced in their Over 30 campaign.
The best play of the first half came from a defender. As Austin Blues took a shot at goal, Dermot might have got a piece of it, but it was Dave rising to the occasion to head the ball off the line and off the crossbar to save a sure goal.
After a quick halftime break with orange slices and rehydration, it was back on the pitch for the second half. Cameron Road switched keepers as Luke pulled on the red jersey and was full of confidence, knowing the treeline had his back.
The second half was a gritty affair, with both teams trading blows in midfield and defense. Cameron Road had a few chances, and Dermot even put the ball into the back of the net, if only by a few inches. His header off a long range free kick seemed to cross the line before it was headed out, but the referee standing at mid-field called it no goal. Unlucky for the Honey Badgers as they felt they had found their winning goal.
Luke was called upon to make one quality save, pushing a near post ball wide. But other than that, the defense stood strong and tall as they soaked up all the Austin Blues attacks. The game got pretty testy as the second half wore on, and in the end both teams had to settle for the 0-0 draw.
Next up for Cameron Road, a date with the Hooligans at Onion Creek.
Man-of-the-Match: The Defense. Dermot and Luke get gold stars for volunteering for keeper duty, but the defense kept CRU in the game – especially Dave’s off the line clearance in the first half. Cuyler’s return to the back line was also a solid addition.
Post-Match-Citrus-Award: With perhaps his only meaningful contribution of the afternoon, Chappy provided post-match Modelos, complete with a double dose of citrus celebration: lime wedges and orange slices.