NEMP proves to be house of horrors on Halloween as CRU goes down 1-0.

The high plains of NEMP were the scene for Cameron Road United’s 3rd 1-0 defeat in 6 weeks. Another early fluky goal proved to be their undoing against Elite FC during a Halloween game.

Cameron Road were again forced to shuffle the ever changing lineup on Sunday as most of the defense scrambled around town to find alternate costumes. Word on the street was David, Cuyler, Crosley and Billy had all simultaneously put together “The Situation” outfits for evening trick-0r-treating, and when they learned of the gaffe,  a mad scramble for alternate Jersey Shore personas was in full effect. Last report on the street was of a stammering “Paulie D” wearing a kilt, and shouting at other kids to “get stuck in and get that candy!!”

Back on the pitch, the sheriff of defense, Bob, corralled a new set of deputies to protect the back line. Andy and Dermot took turns at right back, Luke partnered Bob in the middle, and Chappy held down the left back position.

The usual suspects occupied their places in midfield, and McKenna, Willis and Zoran took turns up top.

Taking the wind in the first half, Cameron Road tried to get out in front with the help of some big NEMP goal kicks. The game was playing out to a stalemate, but Elite FC struck early off a corner kick when they flicked on a near post ball to an unmarked player inside the box.

Cameron Road battled back though. McKenna had a nice move inside the box and slotted a ball to Zoran on his right who got off a shot over the bar. Ciro also pushed a shot over, and there were several mad scrambles in front of the Elite goal. Most of the action was centered around the far right hand corner as it seemed NEMP had created a small windy vortex in that area that drew in all the play. Peterson, Way and BT had some good exchanges in that area, while Dermot worked the opposite flank, trying to get in behind the defense.

After a half time pep talk from the greying haired Irishman, Cameron Road took the field facing an uphill battle – a goal down and against the fierce NEMP wind. Having failed to trap a ball on the lifeless NEMP surface, Chappy quickly earned himself a yellow card with an old fashioned tackle from behind. In fact, Cameron Road gave up several free kicks during the half, but managed to avoid leaking in another goal.

With both teams evenly matched, Cameron Road went on the hunt for the tying goal. Andy had a few nice runs down the right hand side, Dermot and Peterson sent in several crosses, and Willis and McKenna tried to battle against the wind and knife through the Elite defense.

At the back, Bob and Luke headed away countless dangerous balls, and Jay’s goal kicks were cutting through the wind. With Dermot and Andy pushing forward on the right hand side, Willis – ever the team player – made several guest appearances at the back providing deep cover.

Late in the half, CRU was having a good attacking spell. Luke’s long throw ins were putting Elite FC on the back foot, and BT was cut down from behind as he danced his way through their defense. As he set up for the free kick on the right hand side, Cameron Road pushed forward in numbers to meet the ball. After meeting the wall with his initial attempt, BT sent in in a second cross to the back post and it looked like Cameron Road had their equalizer.

In a show of EPL solidarity, Chappy and McKenna put away their Man U vs. Liverpool alliances and both converged on a ball spilling out of the 6 yard box to stab it home in unison. What would have been a well-deserved redeeming goal was spoiled by the dreaded ‘flag up’ from the sidelines. Questionable call? Always when it goes against you.

With that chance gone, both teams continued to battle the grassless field, wind and each other, but in the end, the score didn’t change. Another hard-fought performance by Cameron Road, but another tough loss where they came up just short.

With one more game to go in the Fall Season, CRU is hoping to get back on the winning side of things and head into the Fall Cup Tournament with double digits in points – something they have not been able to do in several years.

Man-of-the-Match: With a rag-tag bunch of would-be defenders at his disposal, Bob led the back line with grit and determination. And his successful somersault throw in sealed the deal.