Summer Game #7 – CRU 0 – Real Sociadad 2 – Badgers Give Epic Performance Against Top Team of Youngins’

One again, Cameron Road faced off against a team full kids half Billy’s age. They also happened to be in first place and were used to scoring goals for fun. But CRU saved one of their best performances for just the occasion as they went toe-to-toe with Real Sociadad for most of the match.

It was an early game with a dew soaked field, but Cameron Road ended up with 4 subs in the Badger Den, plus fully functioning mist thanks to Jake. The mustaches were thicker and more plentiful, and Cameron Road was hoping they would provide the necessary dominating pheromones necessary to spook the kids.

Early on, the Honey Badgers were doing a lot of defending. Real Sociadad were in first place for a reason, and they passed the ball around like a well-oiled machine. Former summer standout Mark was playing for them, but thankfully he was playing a bit deeper in the lineup and not taking pop shots at Nolan.

Real Sociedad were setting up shop in Cameron Road’s end, but the team was defending well and just waiting for some counterattacking opportunities. The talented #9 in red popped up in the middle of the pitch to drill the first low shot into the back of the net for an early 1-0 lead. But instead of collapsing, the Honey Badgers dug in and started to create some good chances of their own.

Ruben got in the game and instantly provided a spark on the left with his hustle and flow. The best chances fell to Gianluca who was able to get in behind the defense. He nearly scored with a cut back to his left foot, but his shot went just wide of the mark. Conor was also lurking at the far post but Gianluca went for the shot himeself.

Derek also got in some of the action, first riding down a tackle like a mechanical bull, never actually touching the ground. Then he went up against the keeper… who cut back the cut back kid! Screams of elder abuse and a possible silver alert emanated from the tent.

Jefe tried an interesting defensive tactic with one of the kids as he went for the full bear hug, earning himself the new nickname of “handzy” from the clever and good-tempered opponents.

At oranges, Cameron Road was actually quite pleased with the game, knowing they were defending well and also getting chances at the other end.

The Honey Badgers continued to hang in there during the second half, knowing they just needed one chance to even the score. Nolan was absolutely on fire, keeping them in the game, with save after save. He was pushing shots over the bar, snatching them up out of the air, and on one miraculous occasion he somehow ended up with the ball in his arms with 2 attackers wide open at the back post.

Conor tried a lightning fast free kick, but the referee was onto him. Ciro had a customary shot in both pace and direction.

At the other end as Nolan continued to make saves, Jesus’ son Mark stood over the ball for a free kick. Jefe lead the mental charge informing Mark “he better not score on us or we’ll tell his Dad!” – the mojo must have worked as Mark’s shot sailed over the bar into safety.

Chappy continue to pad his summer yellow card resume with a bit of a sloppy tackle on an unsuspecting Real Sociaded attacker… but Big Dave still would have approved it.

The Badgers nearly tied the score with another lightning quick (well, we’re talking 40 and 50 year old lightning here) counter attack as Conor fed Yunir the ball in the center or the field. Yuni sent a looping ball down the channel for Chappy to run onto. Chappy got the ball over the first defender with a bit of a header and changed down the keeper. His attempt at a chip was just nicked by a defender, but the ball spilled out to the right where Ruban was charging towards the goal. Unfortunately his shot wasn’t on target and Real Sociadad survived.

Just before the final water break, Yunir and Derek dug up some deep, buried “Dragon Shit” on the field after a failed attack that bubbled over to the sidelines. Things were hot as dragon fire with Jefe as referee. Beef squashed, but many “tiny” memes will be distributed this week to honor the dispute.

With a final push, Cameron Road went for it looking for that elusive goal, but Real scored a second with a nice bit of intricate play inside the CRU box.

Final score was 0-2, but Cameron Road was playing some great stuff and were proud of their efforts.

Man-of-the-Match: No questions here, Nolan was on fire and bailed out the Honey Badgers multiple times. We need to get him a shutout!!

Post-Match-Report: Jake moved to quickly dispatch his useless mustache. Honest Abe scored a goal to the cheering crowd. Conor got iced. The ice cream man was in demand. Jefe and Billy are probably still at the game.