LOSS: 0-1 vs ATX – Badgers Fight Hard, But Looking Long-Term As They Notch A Strategic Loss To Sit Pretty In Third Place
A cold game! Finally! Just as predicted six months ago, the Badgers had the pleasure of an 8am cold, damp game at Onion Creek against ATX United. Entering the match, both teams were tied for second place with ATX edging out the Badgers with goal differential. Cameron Road fought hard, but now have a little breathing room in third place in the “battle to stay the Hell out of the Premier League.”
After deciphering some slightly confusing AMSA field status reports (always tricky with a rainy 8am game), fifteen Badgers were ready for action on a 40 degree February morning. Ciro was cold. Andy was back after a long health-scare break. Chappy was tan and sporting new kit items. Schwarzy was early. It was looking good.
ATX started off like a team with a plus 19 goal differential, peppering the Honey Badger net with shots early on. After coming close, Jaybone made a fantastic point-blank save to keep CRU in the game. The first of many heroics.
The Badgers were finding it hard going in the first half with the attacks breaking down in the final third. Chappy had a limp left footed shot inside the box as Peterson went full viagra with his shots over the bar. The Badger midfield was working hard, but they just couldn’t unlock a clear chance on goal for Derek.
Pete got into the mix and was doing good work down the right side, trying to find another bald dome with some crosses.
Andy was back in the mix like he never left, offering up hustle and determination to win back balls.
The defense was playing some tough-nosed ball hawking as ATX were frequent flyers inside the Cameron Road box, repelling most attacks, but ATX got their goal with a long-range shot about midway through the half.
Yuni picked up a yellow card….. from the sideline.
Oranges!
The Honey Badgers weren’t worried, as they were growing into the game during the final 15 minutes of the first half, creating more chances and tightening things up at the back.
The second half was pretty even, with ATX playing a high line, looking to counter, and the Badgers trying to unlock their passing game and get into the attack.
At one point during a quadruple substitution, the eagle-eyed Chris Peterson noticed they were only playing with 10 men, so he darted back onto the pitch to play in front of Parks on the left wing. Good thing because they combined to create one of the best chances as Brian played in Chris deep down the left hand side for him to cross to the back post with Pete waiting, but he couldn’t connect to nab a tying goal.
Yuni picked up a second yellow with some choice Spanish word play, but the Badgers pushed hard during the final minutes to get something out of the game, but they just ran out of time.
Not the worst result in the world to get a little breathing space in 3rd place. That just opens the door for a victory next week at NEMP against Austin Athletic.
Man-of-the-Match: Jawbone was on fire most of the day and without his efforts the game couldn’t have gotten out of control early on. Special shout out to Andy too, who played his first game of his comeback after some rough health stuff… so glad to have him back in the mix. His outfit was prime Andy as well 
Post-Match-Report: Cold.
