CRU 1 – Verity 1

If anyone else was writing this game report it might be a little more upbeat from the start… It’s just that I don’t know whether to be happy about scoring our first goal of the season, or upset for missing a few other chances to win it at the end? Well, enough of my mental problems, right… we earned a well-deserved point against an always tough Verity today so congratulations to everyone.

What makes the draw even more remarkable was that we only had 1 sub, so that meant the majority of us had to play the full 90 minutes. Good to know that on days like last week we can throw 18 players at a team, but in a pinch we can sack up and play great soccer with only 12.

BT’s tactical brain child today was adjusting our formation to a 4-3-3 with Willis, Scott and myself up front. It seemed to pay off because we had plenty of attacking play throughout the game, but still managed to cover the ground and play good team defense for the second week in a row.

Early on in the first half Crosley floated in a great cross which I met with my head, but as the case has been the last couple of games, it found the post instead of the back of the net. (I don’t know what I’ve done to offend the header Gods lately??) With more open play we came close to another opener when I believe BT struck a slick 15 yard shot to the keeper’s left from a Willis pass, only to have it cleared away on the goal line by a Verity defender. We were getting close.

The first half ended up 0-0, but we were all feeling positive about both the result and our play.

We kept with the 4-3-3 formation in the second half, even against a stiff wind, in hopes of creating more scoring chances for ourselves. I remember Scott had a great run and shot that was saved before we finally broke our season-long goalscoring drought with a great through ball by Chris Peterson. He played me into the center of the pitch and I was able to take a few touches before poking it to the keeper’s right as he rushed toward me. Have to say it felt great, but there was still a lot of defensive work to do.

For the next 30 minutes everyone played great defense as we switched up the formation keeping Ryan upfront by himself. Pat, Bob, Crosley and Cuyler kept us strong at the back while Andy, Chris Luke and BT kept clogging up the midfield. Jay made a fantastic save from about 18 yards out to keep our hopes of 3 points alive.

At the 85th minute Verity got a free kick at what seemed about 45 yards out. Somehow that sucker made it all the way to the back of the net. Unlucky for sure, but we with only five minutes left we wouldn’t give up hope of getting the win.

We got the ball down into Verity’s D and BT did some typical BT magical shit, bouncing around multiple defenders and keeping the play alive. He found me right in front of the goal with a short cross and I was sure I’d score, but somehow my cursed head managed to push the ball wide again. Even after that we had another attack at the last gasp where I think Willis played me in another great ball and I after a few dribbles I was taken down from behind in the 6 yard box. The ref blew the whistle. Only it was the whistle sounding the end of the game and not a penalty kick. How it wasn’t a penalty we didn’t know… but hey, we’re on the right track with a tough team win against an always tough (and big) Verity. So pat yourselves on the back Cameron Road, things are looking up.

Man-of-the-Match: I have to say it’s a pleasure to have Pat playing with us full time now. I mean, come on, the guy drives here from H-Town every Sunday (ok, sure he drives in style, but still…) and plays great defense. Pat was again solid on the ball at the back and his killer throw-ins continue to be a great new weapon. So congrats Pat, you may have not earned Ryan’s golden bucket this week, but you are our Man-of-the-Match.