Final @ 10:15pm: FC Coraggio 2 - Strikers 1

Wow, what a way to end a fantastic season! A hard-fought game for the ages! This was a game to TiVo if we had the capability. The game started on a fast note, and the pace was quick throughout much of the early part of the game. Guys did a great job of some super ball control, passing back and forth, working the weakside, creating some good breaks on goal. Mark J, Will M, and Greg B worked the middle like field generals, and we retained possession much of the time. I'd also say most of the time was spent down in the Strikers' end of the field. Credit their D, and especially their keeper, for keeping the game tight as it was. He stopped some amazing shots, some point blank bullets flying at him, and he kept the net clear. Dude was on fire, and he deserves an MVP for his team.

Our D did a great job of cutting off their 2 scorers, and reducing their effectiveness while keeping the ball in the offensive part of the field. We had numerous chances to score, hitting the post 2-3 times by the end. To be fair, they also rattled the posts, and a few more inches on any shot could have meant a whole different story. Mike, Rob, Jason, Nathan, Scott, and anyone else who took a turn in the back--marvelous job! Another sterling performance from Wes as well, who carried a clean sheet (shutout) for over 20 minutes.

Finally, around the 9:00 mark, we score! A rifled shot while racing down the right wing by Will Matthewson put us out in front. Wonderful lead pass from somebody (if we had TiVo I'd tell you who). It's now 1-0. All we needed to do was keep the ball away and we're done. But easier said than done.

The only real mistake of the night that hurt us came a little later, when our subbing and moving around the field left Chris M all alone in the back with no help on a break. They brought the ball down and batted around a bit before Mr. "You-Know-Who" got a great bounce on a deflection and marched on goal and put it past Wes. It was 1-1 with 3:30 to go.

We needed to end the game before the PK shootout. They stood a much better chance of winning if it came down to that--level chances on goal with their top 2 scorers. We had to settle things before it got to that stage.

Again, we assumed control at that point, pressuring the ball upfield and cranking shot after shot. Guys were hurling themselves around the turf to win the 50/50's, yet nothing was going in. Leon and Chris were racing for anything up front to make a play or force their hand.

Then, on another break, Jeff D races to the right side of the offensive front, just inside the yellow line (almost the same spot as Will), beating the defender to the ball, and cranks a bullet right at the keeper but just off the ground. As the keeper tried to react and stop the ball, it streaked past him through his legs and into the goal. Wow! 2-1, 1:30 to go.

The last minute was a frenetic final minute to AGAIN keep them out of the net. With :15 to go, they get an inbounds re-start just inside our yellow line, with their top scorer lining up a shot. He told me later that he was forced to shoot a bad shot on goal because he didn't have any guys open to pass to, and we fronted the ball to keep him from taking an easy one. So he shoots, it bounces off the wall, gets batted around, and finally someone boots it out of the area, and the clock ticks down.

Truly a team effort. Everyone was selfless, hustled, and left it on the field by the time we were done.

Champions again! Twice as nice!