WIN: 2-1 vs Chopped Liverpool – The Good Times Continue As The Badgers Keep The Winning Streak Alive

After a dreadful start to the 2023/2024 campaign, the Honey Badgers have found their stride, winning 4 out of the last 5 games. This week saw them dominate rivals Chopped Liverpool on a cloudy day out at Onion Creek and win 2-1.

One of the issues facing the Badgers last season was a lack of subs. CRU got a boost a few weeks ago when Miguel joined back up with the squad to add some silky style to the midfield. Yesterday the Badgers got another boost from the ATX contingent as Pete decided enough is enough, it’s time to pledge his soul to the perennial post-game champs!

Speaking of the post-game, Jefe was missing in action as he played in a charity golf tournament (we are assuming the charity was his liver), so the tent and cooler of Real Ale was also missing. But the Badgers back-filled the beverage void with a collective effort.

Things were looking game before the game as Cameron Road assembled 5 subs to Chopped Liverpool’s 1, and it showed as the Honey Badgers started off brightly, camping out in the Liverpool half. Some camped out more than others, as Derek got the early offside call.

Chappy successfully completed his first throw in, so that was progress.

For the opening 20 minutes, the Honey Badgers really were dominating play. Gigi had his shooting boots laced up tightly, perhaps too tight as his multitude of shots missed their target. Speaking of missing the target, Big Dave’s 40 yard effort aimed at the near post went slightly wide as it had a much better chance of hitting the port-o-potty.

The ATX connection was strong with Pete and Miguel working nicely alongside Peterson and Ciro in central midfield. With Schwarzy out, the Badgers didn’t miss a beat and now have a serious excess of riches in the middle of the park to throw at teams.

Jeff Z, Guillermo, Billy, Big Dave, Chris G and were shielding Jay from much of the danger. Billy was looking especially silky and calm on the ball.

An interesting situation presented itself in the first half as Liverpool were called for a back pass to the keeper. The indirect free kick awarded to the Honey Badgers from 4 yards out set off a planning session that resulted in quite a mess inside the box as Liverpool escaped a close call.

In between almost getting “Adam’d” by the Liverpool keeper, Derek was most likely offside again.

Adam was back and so were the oranges. The game was tied at the half with the Badgers dominating play, so there was no worry about how the second half would go.

Playing against the unusual Onion Creek wind, the Honey Badgers took the field for the second half. They picked up right where they left off, dominating time on the ball and looking for the opener, which was coming.

Pete got signed up the night before the game, and made an immediate impact with some nice play in the midfield. He and Miguel hooked up for an ATX inspired opening goal with some nice play inside the box. Miguel slipped in a pass to Pete on the left side of the box that nutmegged his defender. Pete did the rest as he rifled home the opening goal in his new #5 jersey. Quite a start for the Honey Badger’s newest pirate! 1-0 CRU.

Don’t blink, but Derek was offside, and then again! Later in the game, in a genius mocking of the linesman, Derek cut loose on a breakaway down the left side and raised his OWN arm in protest as he continued to dribble. It must have done the trick because he remained onside.

Billy was really having a great game at right back, turning away attackers and getting forward in attack. Aye.

With more dominating play after the opening goal, the Badgers were on the break again with Ciro and Chappy both charging towards the same ball coming out of the Liverpool defense. Chappy called Ciro off so he could promptly blast the ball over the bar from distance. Ciro was disappointed it wasn’t on frame, but at least he connected with a body part… unlike the tiny samurai’s whiff inside the box minutes later.

The second Badger goal was a thing of beauty and a wonderful team goal. The ball got worked out of defense and into Chappy on the right flank to dribble. With Peterson and his highly-tucked, non-standard navy shorts speeding by on his left, Chappy slid the ball into Miguel on the right with acres of space. He looked like he might be offside, but his clever sideways run kept him on (Willis would have been proud) and he charged towards goal, drawing the keeper to the near post. His perfect pass across the goal found Derek (onside!), who one-time it into he net for a 2-0 lead. Two fine assists on the day for Miguel.

The Livers got a little break as they hit a long-range shot that took a deflection to sail past Jaybone, but the 2-1 ending scoreline flattered them. The Badgers dominated this one from start to finish.

Man-of-the-Match: Shout outs for many folks as the Badgers played a great game. But from a Saturday night text message, to an Ateamo signing, to a game hours later, to a solid midfield performance, and a goal to cap it off…. Pete has started his official Honey Badger life shot out of a pirate ship’s cannon.

Post-Game-Report: No tent and it was chilly, so no icings. Tiny penalties at half time. The usual.