LOSS: 1-2 vs Beerca – Badgers Dominate But Playing the Long Game

Well, strategically, the Badgers are putting in work on their long-term plan of staying in Over 40A, and yesterday was the first step.

The Badgers controlled most of the action, but just couldn’t find the back of the net enough to grab some points from their friendly rivalry with the pit masters of Beerca.

Cameron Road had no Jefe, but Ryan “Gandolf” Willis was there to provide moral support and tactical advice.

With an unorthodox start time of 9:45, the Badgers started with a full squad, but filled the bench with 4 subs eventually as Danny arrived late from Dallas (where he was seen outside the FC Dallas stadium chanting with a voodoo doll), Jesus showed up with a literal suitcase full of tricks, Billy came with a head full of allergies, and Big Dave made his customary diva late entrance.

The starting lineup saw Jaybone between the sticks with Billy, Guillermo, Jeff Z and Chappy on the back line. Adam, Ciro, Schwarzy, and Nate got the midfield going. And Gigi and Derek started up top.

The Badgers had the best of the opening play, passing the ball around and taking some shots. Ciro blasted one over the bar from distance and Gigi sent one to da moon. It was mostly one way traffic as Cameron Road were looking good early on.

But with one of their only attacks, Beerca found the back of the net after Guillermo saved a ball off Jaybone’s line. Sure looked like the ball went out of play after that, but the linesman was mesmerized by whispers from the treeline and didn’t see the infraction right before the goal.

Tough luck for the Badgers who were looking good.

Before Big Dave could replace him at left back, Chappy honored him with a successful pop-up slide tackle and back pass to Jay.

Nasty Nate continued to get his fitness back after a long stink in the Badger Infirmary, and he proved that a man can slide tackle wearing pastel boots.

The Badgers were trying to get back into the game, and the subs were playing a big part of it. Jake and Jesus were spending time down the wings, Danny slotted into right back while Billy tried to see through his allergy eyes, and Dave got back to business on the left side of the field.

But damn, a fast break saw Beerca eek out another goal to go up 2-0.

The Badgers continued their attempts to get back into the game as JAKE IS DOWN and BICYCLE KICK!!!

Last play of the half saw Derek called for offside, ending a final attack.

Oranges.

The second half started, and it was time for the Badgers to get back into the game. On the right side, Danny pushed forward to offer more in attack. Billy had a brilliant five minutes of sparkling offense, pushing up from center back including a free kick. Big Dave absolutely destroyed an attacker with a perfectly timed Big Dave Special that make the Beerca player get up and stumble back down to the turf after getting up to discover his legs no longer worked properly.

It was about 80% of the Badgers attacking, looking for a goal to get back into the game.

Ciro and Schwarzy were working hard in central midfield as Ryan looked on from the sidelines when he wasn’t playing with the young Paganoni.

Chappy tried to make something happen as he took a defender’s soul with a Cruyff turn-nutmeg, but he ran out of room to operate as he neared the back line. Derek was inches away from latching onto a nice through ball which Schwarzy slightly over-cooked. Gianluca continued to try shots from distance.

The Badgers were in full comeback mode, and needed a breakthrough. They found it as Jesus drove through the back line and dinked in some goodness to he back post to give Cameron Road a lifeline with minutes to play!

2-1 Beerca

Shortly after, there were strong appeals for a hand ball inside the Beerca box which would have gifted the Badgers a penalty kick, but again, the Soccer Gods frowned upon CRU and no call was given.

So Beerca finished with the victory, and the Badgers got on track with their long-term master plan of staying put in the division and keeping Beerca somewhat happy when it comes time for more BBQ.

Man-of-the-Match: Tough one as everyone played well, but Jesus got the goal to start the comeback, it was just too late in the game.

Post-Match-Report: Dirty little Ciro iced Chappy with a no-look, over the shoulder, seated thermos shot right to the groin. He is getting quite bold in his old age but like the distraught new Queen Rhanyra Targaryen, he vowed his revenge.