LOSS: CRU 2 – Celtic Cowboys 4

On what might mark the end to the sweltering, extended summer roast-a-thon, they Honey Badgers suited up to do battle with an old, familiar foe – the Celtic Cowboys. The Jeffs were back in full-force, four subs filled the tent, recently retired Adam and his oranges were in attendance along with wives, kids and dogs. The scene was set.

The Honey Badgers had to implement a makeshift defense with so many regulars on the shelf. Jeff Z slotted back into his familar central role with Billy, Parks and Andy. Jefe was ready to go in reserve.

Cameron Road started off the game brightly and should/could/would have been up 3-0 in the opening 20 minutes with some breathtaking play if the Soccer Gods had not intervened.

Andy was getting the ball a lot at left back and he got fed Chappy down the left flank, who fed Derek in as he ran towards goal. His shot bulged the back of the net but….. offside.

Next up, Derek returned the favor with a great cross to the Bald Dome of Power on the left but….. scuffed it.

Finally, the trifecta of misery was complete as the keeper charged off his line for a ball that Gianluca got to first and tried to lift it over him into an empty net but….. it sailed wide (shoot it lower a wise Leo told his monther on the sideline).

As the Honey Badgers squandered their early chances to put the game to bed. Celtic snuck back into the game with two goals, one self-inflicted.

Schwarzy was doing a lot of leg work, and Yunir got into the game to sweeten the mix in the center of the park, but Cameron Road found themselves in another 2-0 hole at the half and wondered just how the hell they got there. But the oranges were nice.

With the second half underway, the Honey Badgers continued to carve out chances. Matt P and the world’s smallest manbun took a pop from long range. Chappy demolished a header from a corner kick that went wide of the mark. Gianluca and Derek continued their assault on goal. Schwarzy hit a nice low drive that the keeper barely pushed wide. Peterson had a shot saved at the near post.

And in an almost identical spot, Peterson again got a rebound on the right inside the 18 yard box and let loose a nice left-footed thumper to give the Honey Badgers a lifeline.

An unfortunate Celtic attack down the left saw them put it another goal to go up 3-1, but Cameron Road wasn’t finished. Derek broke through into the box and was taken down for an obvious penalty, which he converted to make it 3-2 with 10 minutes to play.

Unfortunately for Ciro, his dehydrated calf stopped working and his day was done, but the comeback continued… but was not to be, as another self-inflicted Celtic goal nailed the coffin shut at the end of the game.

Frustrating day at the office where Cameron Road had upwards of ten good chances on goal, but just coudn’t find the back of the net. Still, a well-fought game with some creative lineups and a post-game that might still be going on.

Man-of-the-Match: Cheers to Jeff Z for his return to the lineup after many months. Good to have the big fella back!

Men-of-the-Post-Game: With the Verity grilling station a few doors down, Matt P and Jefe made a beer run. Quality.