CRU 1 – Deportivo 1

Our streak of not losing continued this weekend on the high plains of Pflugerville with a convincing draw against Deportivo Fuerza Unida. Do you even remember the team that got thrashed by Celtic 0-5 a few months ago? Who were those guys?

Maybe it’s our new Barcelona inspired 4-3-3 formation, our resurgence of playing team defense, or just the fact that we are tired of not playing up to our potential, but things are definitely turning around for the guys in red. And our next 5 games are all against our fellow bottom-half of the table teams, so it will be a good chance to keep the momentum going and make up some ground.

Although Deportivo were much younger and had more subs, our gritty and physical play allowed us to stay in the game and carve out some good chances in the first half. Marcus hit the post with a wicked tight angle shot from the left side and Billy had a corner kick narrowly saved that was headed into the top corner. BT threw in some great crosses from the right hand side and Cassio was playing in lots of tasty thru-balls from his lone central midfield position.

We finally got a break through about midway through the first half and got the opening goal. I think maybe Cuyler played in a ball to the box? I’m not really sure what happened, but I ended up with the ball at my feet kind of did a Clark Field special, just barreled forward and scooped the ball into the net.

At the other end, Scott was awesome in defense, heading clear about 1,000 balls and keeping things tight at the back. The first half ended with us feeling good about a 1-0 score.

Deportivo started putting a little more pressure on us at the start of the second half. Mostly due to their star player (#5) being present unlike the first half. Still, we continued to have some great chances to score a second goal. A cross and a knockdown to Dermot saw him send a 20 yard dipping volley just past the post, and a couple of Cassio free kicks were just off target as well.

If not for a late foul inside the box which resulted in a PK against us, we would have hung on for a victory against 3rd place Deportivo. But all in all, a draw was another good result for us and another step in the right direction.

Man-of-the-Match: It’s a sad day, but it’s time to say farewell to another CRU All-Star, Cassio. His midfield skills, thunderous shots and 24-7 good humor will be missed on the field and off. We wish you well buddy, it’s been a pleasure playing with ya. We’ll wait for your return from the frozen tundra of Portland and you can join up with us when we go Over 50!