LOSS: 1-2 vs Travis FC – Good Luck In Over 40 Premier
Match Day 3 and the Badgers were facing first place Travis FC. Cameron Road had a good pre-game as Jay, Jefe and Chappy showed up early to get a feel for for the exposed dirt fields which are starting to fill up the Onion Creek Soccer Complex. Also, Jefe told the tale of his new scarf obtained at the Austin FC game. A thrilling tale matched only by the story of his purchase of his new cleats.
As some De La Soul permeated the sidelines, courtesy of Spotify and Jake, the team started to assemble. Jesus showed up with new red socks and royal blue shorts to complete his Badger transformation, but he was forced to start in central midfield as Peterson and Schwarzy arrived fashionably late. Adam and Gianluca also arrived together from their morning road trip in the birthday car of honor, the 2003 Honda Accord, stuffed to the gills with oranges and fajita meat.
Travis FC are in first place for a reason, as they really do pass the ball well and hold onto it. Playing them is always a challenge, but the Badgers were up for the task and were gifted an opening ten minutes against a squad that had not yet filtered in to have eleven players on the pitch.
The Honey Badgers tried to take advantage of their numerical advantage early on, as Chappy whipped in a cross from the right side into the box where Danny was hard charging and tapped in for the opening goal! But it was not to be, as he was deemed offside in an ironic reversal of roles.
Unfortunately, back at the other end due to a bit of a defensive meltdown, Travis FC scored with a well-worked goal and shot from their #8 which sent their lovely, wonderful, supportive sideline into jubilation. Seriously, just a nice group of folks.
But the Badgers shrugged it off as Travis FC finally got back to full strength and the battle was on. Chappy dug out a shot wide of the near post. Peterson and Derek combined for a fantastic fast break, but Peterson’s shot was sent to da moon. Adam got into good spots in his usual back post hunting grounds. Gianluca was back looking for goals.
Ciro and Derek finally broke the backline with a sweet thru-ball and finish by the tiny tandem with Derek finishing off Ciro’s pass to make it 1-1.
Oranges and tortillas.
Oh boy, the second half. To say it got a little nasty might be an understatement. Travis FC were full of fouls and play acting at every opportunity. Their forward #69 was an especially nasty piece of work that Danny and Jeff Z were battling with all day. Guillermo was feisty as ever setting the tone in the middle, and you’ve never seen anyone lay down a foul so cooly as Billy was doing.
But Travis broke through with #8 scoring his second goal of the afternoon to go up 2-1. And then he completed his Onion Creek hat trick with a red card, courtesy of a needless kick to Nasty Nate after an initial foul. The game turned pretty ugly with the referee not being able to calm the players down for about 10 minutes. Kudos to Danimal and Nate for remaining calm instead of dishing out a large dose of street justice.
The game fired back up with the Badgers up a man, but down a goal. Gianluca was doing all he could to grab the tying shot, hustling his way around the pitch as usual and having to contend with the Travis goalkeeper’s shithousery. Schwarzy had a pop from longe range. Chappy and Jesus tried to combine for a fast break. But it just wasn’t happening.
In the end, it was a close, tactical loss which will hopefully seal Travis FC’s banishment to Over 40 Premier next season. Badgers obviously thinking long-term with this one.
Man-of-the-Match: Cameron Road are full of technical players, and fiery characters, but this Badger had both on display all day yesterday as Guillermo was on fire and setting the tone.
