CRU 1 – 3 Strikers

There is nothing like the smell of Onion Creek at 8 AM in the morning: Dew-kissed grass, freshly trimmed corner flags, Willis’ bucket, and the arousing scent of a tree line lingering on the edge of your every thought. This isn’t just another Sunday at the fields; this is where the Fall 2009 campaign for Division II dominance begins.

The season kicked off against a familiar Div. II foe, The Strikers. A foe we have traded blows for blows with over the last full year. Cameron Road United rolled out in force, with three sturdy substitutes and a field of eager gladiators ready to knock in the season’s first goal, to knock down a victory, and to knock back the season’s first tallboy. Jumping back on the wagon so early in the day has never tasted so sweet. But there was a game to win first. Alcoholism can wait…

First Half

The whistle blew and CRU started off with quality ball control, despite the water pinwheels shooting off the ball’s wake through the grass. Bob anchored the defense with Big John, Cuyler, and a newly frosted Billy knocking the ball around for some early movement out of the back. Brian “I can get you a toe by 3 PM” Thomas led the initial strike that saw several close opportunities penetrate their defenses. Chappy crashed the goal with the confidence of a toddler running at a glass door and nearly notched the first goal of the season early with a sliding effort that knocked a loose ball sailing just over the cross bar. Chris “Nice Trucker Hat” Peterson served up a few sexy corners and crosses but CRU just couldn’t notch a “scorcher in the ol’ onion sack”.

The Strikers slowly started gaining possession and moving the ball more effectively into our defensive third. Billy’s aggressive man-play on defense shut down Art Garfunkel’s illegitimate grandson, but lit up the referee’s whistle. From 30 yards out, The Strikers’ only registered sex offender put away a free kick with a low, hard shot to the far post for the first goal. 0-1 Strikers.

This was about the point where our team started to feel violated. We kept up our attack with several shots that went wide from Peterson and “Deuces” McKenna. Our offense was fierce, but our passing began to get sloppy and we were giving the ball away too easily. The Strikers capitalized on one too many turnovers and Garfunkel notched a second finish in the net, just passed the out-stretched hands of Jay. 0-2 Strikers at the half.

Second Half

The second half started strong with aggressive man-play upfront. Billy and Ciro were controlling the ball and working it up the right side with composure and finesse. It wasn’t long until Ciro was sent a sailing through-ball passed the defense and flicked it around the emerging goalie to put CRU on the board for the first goal of the Fall Campaign. CRU 1-2 Strikers.

Throughout the second half, possession stayed about equal, but the Strikers continued to play balls the feet of their two swift-footed forwards and getting great looks from 20 to 30 yards out. One such shot was pushed just wide by a diving Jay, looking mid-season form between the pipes. Despite the Strikers offensive surge, McKenna, Willis, and Chappy were giving their defense hell as well, with several close calls on an equalizer.

Billy was also in mid-season form with his aggressive man-play and playful banter with the referee. There was no lack of animosity between the green-shirted whistle whore and Billy’s emotional investment in his new boots. He almost earned the first yellow card of the season, but the referee apparently wanted to ‘talk it out’ instead.

In the end, the Strikers managed to put away another goal to hand us a 1-3 result and the first loss of our Fall 2009 Campaign. We brought enough enthusiasm and heart for a victory, but the rust of the off-season shown through with some fundamental break-downs in passing, collecting, and all-around fitness. At times, CRU looked very impressive, with great ball movement around the back, up the sides, and through the middle, but couldn’t consistently compete at every position against a worthy opponent. Our dominance in Division II will have to wait one more week.

Man Of The Match

Ciro’s hustle on the wings and mid-field earned him the first and only finish of the season thus far.

Man Of The Post-Match

You know its the beginning of the season when a box of bagels shows up at an early game. But you also know its Cameron Road soccer when said bagel box is full of assorted cheap beers, sans ice. This classic CRU move also earned Ciro the Man Of The Post-Match.