20 Minutes of Chaos Outshines 70 Minutes of Hard Work as Cameron Road Loses to ATX United

Cameron Road fell to D2 newcomers ATX United 6-1 on an overcast final day of SXSW in Austin. A particularly black cloud covered the field for a 20 minute spell in the 2nd half while Cameron Road was still only down by a single goal and looking like the team more likely to put one in the back of the onion bag. But that 20 minute spell saw ATX bang in 4 goals and basically put an end to any comeback.

Cameron Road welcomed back Big John for the game who was visiting A-Town for the weekend. It’s always a pleasure to have the gentle giant on the pitch for a spell now that he calls North Carolina his home. He immediately slotted into central defense since Cameron Road’s other two towers of power, Cuyler and Danny, were not in attendance. Andy decided to adorn his shiny new boots (made from recycled yield signs and the juice of lightning bugs) by partnering Big John in the middle, while David and Crosley rounded out the defense. Willis, McKenna and Chappy rotated up top, while BT, Ciro, Scott, Way and Chris Peterson patrolled the midfield.

ATX United flexed their muscle and younger legs from the get go, and showed signs of being a very fit team with several players capable of drilling in thunderous shots. The new look defense for Cameron Road was finding it tough to get it’s footing early on, and before long ATX ran out to an early 2-0 lead. One goal being a bit of a gift, but the second was a real power shot from distance.

Unfortunately for Cameron Road, the catalyst for playing well is usually a few untimely goals against them, so like a wounded animal, they fought to escape from the bear trap of a deficit by knawing through their metaphorical ankles to get back into the game.

Fighting through the physical play of ATX, Cameron Road pulled a goal back when Peterson served up a cross from the left side of the box (while playing right wing), which flew over the heads of several players but landed squarely at BT’s disposal. BT’s flying header to the far corner was unstoppable from that distance and CRU were back in the game.

For the next 40 minutes, Cameron Road actually had the better run of play, passing the ball around and getting several scoring opportunities. Ciro danced his way down the right hand touchline and put in a great cross for McKenna to get a head on. Steve also had two other chances at goal in a 10 minute spell, one of them being a darting run around the box which he finished off with a great blast from the top of the 18 yard box. Willis had 2 lengthy runs with the ball at his feet, one of which almost saw him beat his marker to goal. (although he claims if it would have been an Over 30 game he would have dusted the guy using only 80% of his ‘speed’)

Things were looking positive for Cameron Road, but then the black cloud appeared and the game was basically put out of reach. CRU continued to fight until the end for a few goals, but eventually only had a fresh supply of cold Mexican beer to look forward too.

Four more games remain in this season. Four more chances to get to double digits in points. Four more chances to pay back the likes of the Strikers, Elite FC, Celtic Cowboys, and Austin Athletic Club.

Man-of-the-Match: Scoring Cameron Road’s only goal with a wicked header, BT is this week’s grand master.