Second Half Comeback Not Enough As Honey Badgers Fall 3-4 to ATX United

For the second week in a row, Cameron Road was given an early wakeup call for an 8am game. This time around, they faced the tall trees of ATX United.

In a show of solidarity, those early to the field determined CRU would suit up in their white, blue and red kits to pay tribute to France. The referees also showed a bit of class as both teams circled up before kickoff for a minute of silence.

To say the game started off poorly for Cameron Road would be an understatement as they went down by a goal within the first two minutes. Chappy’s “trap” off his shin at half field was the catalyst for a series of slow-moving events that somehow bewildered the rest of the team and ended up with the ball in the back of the net.

The rough start only got worse when ATX decided to put another one in and go up by two goals.

If you didn’t count those two moments, the Honey Badgers were playing decent stuff and getting off good chances. Twice Chappy got into the box and cut the ball back for open forwards, but the ATX defense was making things difficult inside the box.

In a great scoring opportunity, Ryan got the ball at the top of the box, took a touch to settle his most likely hungover nerves, and smashed a shot towards goal. Unfortunately, it hit the post and the scrum for the rebound ended up getting cleared to safety.

Cameron Road actually had a goal disallowed when Ben put it in right in front of the keeper, but the referee called it back for a yet-to-be-determined infraction. Still waiting for the explanation on that one. This would be the start of Ben’s fantastic day as he tried to drag Cameron Road back into the game by becoming a one man Jade Spear. He almost had another goal later in the half when the keeper rushed out and he chipped him from 30 yards. The ball was cleared off the line at the last possible second by an ATX defender. It was looking like it just wasn’t going to be the Honey Badger’s day.

At the half, spirits were low as the Honey Badgers felt they should be in the game, but had nothing to show for it. But a few sips of Gigi’s Columbian tea, and some of Adam’s powerful tangelorangthingamabobbers would have to provide the spark to mount the second half comeback.

Unfortunately they would have to do it without the services of Mr. Milton. Who somehow hurt his back the night before, going out for a nice steak dinner? Not sure how one injures their back carving up a ribeye, perhaps there was a Braveheart reenactment at the table. Anyway, back to the game.

For a second half rally, this one started out pretty poorly, as ATX managed to score a third goal on the bewildered Honey Badgers. At this point, Ben really decided to get the crew back into the game as he started to turn up the intensity.

His aggressiveness paid off as he stole the ball from an ATX defender near the half line, sprinted towards goal unopposed, and calmly slotted the ball past the keeper for a brilliant solo goal. At 3-1, the Honey Badgers had their lifeline. Little did they know that their lifeline would last about as long as the last of Luke’s Grandmother’s hot biscuits at the breakfast table, because ATX strode right down the field, won a penalty, and went back up by 3 goals at 4-1.

Now was the time for the comeback to start in earnest. With nothing to lose, Cameron Road surged forward looking for goals. With a defense splitting through ball, Ben found Gigi inside the box and he successfully chipped the keeper to get himself back on the scoresheet. 4-2.

Derek had a great one-on-one with the keeper, but Ciro’s advice of “just shoot it straight at him” proved to be unwise.

With time running out, the Honey Badgers kept attacking, and Andy got hacked in the box and won a penalty. Ben gave the ball to Gigi, who smashed it to the keeper’s right to really make things interesting at 3-4.

At one point with minutes remaining, the referee made a strange call as he stopped play at the CRU end of the field, and waived off BT, who was standing behind the opponent’s goal 100 yards away. Not sure what dastardly plan BT had in mind, but he was forced to do his final spectating from the sidelines.

In the end, the Honey Badgers mounted a blistering comeback, but just ran out of time. It was a shame not to get their sixth win a row, especially since the damn, dirty Dragons were busy laying waste to the Rovers one field over to remain undefeated (how is this possible!!!). Good effort though, and an entertaining game. Takoba will have to pay next weekend as Cameron Road looks to get back on track.

Man-of-the-Match: Ben was magic today. He dragged Cameron Road back into the game with his scrappy play, step-overs, goals and assists. All while wearing non-standard black shorts and socks. Thanks for making the most of your limited appearances.