No Magic Today as CRU Fall to Dragons 0-2 on Opening Day

Cameron Road United was denied an opening day victory as the Dragons proved a worthy opponent on Opening day 2013. It was a rag-tag bunch that showed up for the game:  Many hungover from the night’s festivities. A few under the weather. Nevertheless, the 12 that showed up expected to get something out of the game despite the lack of subs to call on.

The first half was a pretty cagy affiair. Both teams tried to use the space at NEMP to work the ball down the flanks. Cameron Road had a few good opportunities inside the box, and Adam popped up with a few volley attempts.

With not much separating the two sided, except the the progressive weariness and lethargy from Petersonpalloza, CRU was actually looking strong, passing the ball well, defending and creating some chances. Going into the half it was tied at donuts and looking like anybody’s game.

As the second half started, the Dragons were putting CRU under some early pressure. Most of it was soaked up by the back four of Cuyler, Billy, Jefe and Peyton. Unfortunately, disaster struck as Andy tried to clear a ball from goal, but instead headed it over Jay. 0-1 Dragons. (Although he’s now negative one goal on his defense of the Golden Boot, we can all agree that he looked fantastic in blue shorts and blue socks)

Suddenly awoken by the own goal, Cameron Road went hunting for the tying goal. Ryan was quite active in midfield, nimbly avoiding tackles clad in his new yellow Mizunos. Steve was lively up front, and had a nice header just miss the mark off a corner. Zoran and Jefe also nailed headers from close range but just couldn’t find the back of the net.

The Dragons drew second blood with a nice move down the right channel as their forward sent a low, far-post shot into the goal. 0-2 dragons.

As the game wound down, Gigi had the best solo chance with a point blank shot/save. But even his magic Columbian tea couldn’t save him from his hangover and the keeper’s girth.

If not for a few clutch saves from Jay, the outcome could have been worse. Still, an unlucky own goal and a few narrowly missed chances was the only difference between the 18 Dragons and the 12 Honey Badgers. It’s a long season and once CRU get’s its full squad on the field the results will go their way.

Man-of-the-Match: What can you say about the tag-team dynamic duo of El Jefe and Peyton? They destroyed it at Peterson’s party. Slept maybe an hour. Got up early to skate the park at NEMP before the game, were the first ones at the field (with a tent), and both played big parts in the day’s near glory. For that we salute their constitutions, their livers and their Honey Badger Spirit.