Your recap of today's Oswego Nike Cup activities.
As noted in yesterday's recap, WT05 and 4H Northside finished exactly tied in the standings--so the first order of business was a penalty shootout to determine who would get to face PCU in the final match. I kind of feel sorry for the 4H kids, many of whom had to drive up from Salem for the possibility of only a few minutes of soccer--we had the advantage that the 04 finals were being played on our home field (check's in the mail, Louie...). And since the game before on the same field finished tied, THAT was decided by a shootout first. Finally, the 4H/WT shootout commenced, with Westside winning the toss and getting to go first.
Both teams missed their first shots, and then made their next five. On the seventh round, Westside buried their spot kick, and QS saved the shot from 4H. Celebrations ensued, and one WT player suffered a minor injury in the celebration.
On to the game. PCU's 04s are at least as big and fast as OPFC pretty much across the board, but with even better ball skills. So WT spent much of the game defending. First half was reasonably competitive--PCU got a goal and had most of the possession, but WT had a few dangerous moments and threatened a few times. 0-1 to the 04 state champs at the break. The second half started out much the same way, but about ten minutes in, a WT defender bumped into a PCU forward in the box, and the PCU player went to ground. The referee pointed to the spot, decided it was DOGSO, and pulled his yellow card--and since it was the second yellow to that player, he was sent off. One could argue the foul, and I would argue against DOGSO (there was no dangerous challenge, and the WT defender was trying to play the ball--RF got taken out by 4H's keeper the day before on a far more dangerous play, and a penalty was awarded but no card issued), but it was what it was. Some justice was served as 4H skied the penalty shot. WT played gamely a man down for about 10 more minutes before conceding a second goal. The third came with about five minutes left, when another breakaway produced another foul in the box, and another player getting sent off (this call I had far less problem with--it was a frustration foul, and a bad challenge from behind). That penalty was converted, and PCU passed it around for the past few minutes.
While the end of this one was a disappointment, I wasn't at all disappointed in the overall effort given the quality of the opposition. PCUs 04s are better than any 05 club team in the state, and WT held their own against them twice--at least until having to play short-handed. Eastside and 4H, while not as strong as PCU, are both skilled teams, who would easily give ADF or OPFC a stiff challenge. Contrary to someone's comment above, none of these teams are "terrible".
I don't know to what extent, if at all, that I will be covering fall league--thanks to the silly birth year decision, U15 fall league is what it is. Since the DS is in high school, I'm not sure how many fall games I will be at. I will be back for NWCL and Winter League, of course.
Nah, Copa Mama adores me. But well-played. :)
As noted in yesterday's recap, WT05 and 4H Northside finished exactly tied in the standings--so the first order of business was a penalty shootout to determine who would get to face PCU in the final match. I kind of feel sorry for the 4H kids, many of whom had to drive up from Salem for the possibility of only a few minutes of soccer--we had the advantage that the 04 finals were being played on our home field (check's in the mail, Louie...). And since the game before on the same field finished tied, THAT was decided by a shootout first. Finally, the 4H/WT shootout commenced, with Westside winning the toss and getting to go first.
Both teams missed their first shots, and then made their next five. On the seventh round, Westside buried their spot kick, and QS saved the shot from 4H. Celebrations ensued, and one WT player suffered a minor injury in the celebration.
On to the game. PCU's 04s are at least as big and fast as OPFC pretty much across the board, but with even better ball skills. So WT spent much of the game defending. First half was reasonably competitive--PCU got a goal and had most of the possession, but WT had a few dangerous moments and threatened a few times. 0-1 to the 04 state champs at the break. The second half started out much the same way, but about ten minutes in, a WT defender bumped into a PCU forward in the box, and the PCU player went to ground. The referee pointed to the spot, decided it was DOGSO, and pulled his yellow card--and since it was the second yellow to that player, he was sent off. One could argue the foul, and I would argue against DOGSO (there was no dangerous challenge, and the WT defender was trying to play the ball--RF got taken out by 4H's keeper the day before on a far more dangerous play, and a penalty was awarded but no card issued), but it was what it was. Some justice was served as 4H skied the penalty shot. WT played gamely a man down for about 10 more minutes before conceding a second goal. The third came with about five minutes left, when another breakaway produced another foul in the box, and another player getting sent off (this call I had far less problem with--it was a frustration foul, and a bad challenge from behind). That penalty was converted, and PCU passed it around for the past few minutes.
While the end of this one was a disappointment, I wasn't at all disappointed in the overall effort given the quality of the opposition. PCUs 04s are better than any 05 club team in the state, and WT held their own against them twice--at least until having to play short-handed. Eastside and 4H, while not as strong as PCU, are both skilled teams, who would easily give ADF or OPFC a stiff challenge. Contrary to someone's comment above, none of these teams are "terrible".
I don't know to what extent, if at all, that I will be covering fall league--thanks to the silly birth year decision, U15 fall league is what it is. Since the DS is in high school, I'm not sure how many fall games I will be at. I will be back for NWCL and Winter League, of course.
Originally posted by Unregistered
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