WIN: 3-1 vs Chopped Liverpool – Badgers Start The Season 3-0!

Game three of this young Over 40A season. Could the Honey Badgers make it three in a row and continue their great start? Could they survive a second week in a row without their spirit world guide, Jefe? Would Ciro get his calendar year goal? All would be answered as Cameron Road suited up for an early morning affair with Chopped Liverpool.

Unlike the disciplined Badgers, who were there early to start with a full squad and four subs, some of the Livers were still in bed as they had to start a man down to start the game. This was just what the Badgers needed to get off to a brilliant fast start. Seriously, the first 10 minutes the Badgers passed the ball around with ease, controlling the game and looking to score early. Gianluca had a fantastic attempt with a point blank header from the PAM (Peterson Assist Machine), but it flashed just wide.

Chappy took a page out of Derek’s book, got deep into the box, cut the ball back and sent in a left footed cross back up to the top of the box for and onrushing Ciro – but Ciro was so flabbergasted by the move that his brain locked up and he was unable to take the shot. Later, Ciro tried to get his goal with a left-footed shot, but the tiny red cleat kind of missed the ball. Still, it was all one-way-traffic early.

Chopped Liverpool didn’t cross the half line for about 10 minutes it seemed, but Cameron Road did get a warning when their #16 Danny McBride look-alike fired off a shot wide. He was definitely their danger man on the day.

Pete got into the game on the wing and got into the action as well, he had a good opportunity but his shot went right to the keeper as he rued the chance with hands clutched to bandanna.

At the back, the usual suspects were keeping Liverpool at bay, with Danimal really providing some powerful clearance energy.

For all the great play though, the Honey Badgers couldn’t unlock the goal quite yet, but it was only a matter of time.

Oranges.

With spaces opening up in the second half, the Badgers were looking for that elusive goal. Yuni was doing good work in tight spaces, and his ankles were paying for it as he took a few fouls for the cause.

Apparently, the referee came to do three things: chew bubble gum, not speak any English, and call fouls for throw ins. He was all out of bubble gum. He flagged the Badgers for three foul throw ins on the day, which is more than a season’s worth.

Pete’s misery in front of goal continued as Peterson set him free with the keeper to beat. As he tried to open up his body to nail the far post, his 50ish legs just quite couldn’t comply, so his second agonizing shot went right into his open mitts as Pete’s death spiral included a self-imposed dirt nap inside the keeper’s nets. Pretty impressive anti-celebration, but you just gotta keep shooting!

But have no fear, the goal was coming, and it was a nice move as Peterson got the ball to Chris G on the left, who assisted Gianluca to rifle home a worm burner to the back post for a 1-0 lead!

Not to be outdone, his strike partner Derek was determined to get on the scoresheet as well as he first tried to take on 3 defenders at the half line. This time, Chris cranked up the PAM and slid the ball into Derek, who nailed a far post shot from a tight angle from the other side of goal. 2-0 Badgers!

As desperation set in, Liverpool continued to foul Yuni, and they did claw back a goal to cut the lead to 2-1. But their hope was short-lived as Danimal went full BEAST MODE at the back, smashing header clearances away and kicking everything else to safety. He was on a mission with Billy, Guillermo, Chris G and Big Dave to seal the victory.

As the Badgers looked for more, Gigi let loose a shot and Pete got the rebound. Determined not to make it 3 for 3 misses, the CRU Pirate drove it past the keeper to make it 3-1. Another miss surely would have seen him scampering off into the woods, never to be seen again.

Schwarzy was back this week and his calm presence and always-open availability to receive the ball was paying dividends, and earned him some Waterloo sparkling waters. The Badgers were loaded at central mid with him, Ciro, 88 and Yuni all available and tearing it up.

Speaking of Ciro, he found himself in an unfamiliar position…. leaping to try and “do a header” off a corner kick. Unfortunately, his leap was about 3 inches too short (that’s what she said) as he proclaimed “that’s as high as I go!” Classic.

Not content with Hulk smashing everything away at the back, Danny nailed a header inside the box for CRU goal number 4, but he was struck with a case of DerekChappyitus (offside).

Great start to the season for Cameron Road as they eye-up a match with newcomers Libertad next week!

Man-of-the-Match: Danimal was eating it up at the back, and probably wasn’t offside for his goal. Dominating.

Post-Match-Report: Pete got seriously iced with half a bag of ice. Then he “volunteered” for a second one as Chappy cleared the room brandishing a Yeti. The team scouted out next week’s opponents, and apparently some stayed to watch the Punters eke out a 1-0 win vs Celtic in a marathon 4+ hour post-game. That’s dedication.