Orangemen vs Rowdies on Mustache March in 2014

Kendall 1 Goal, Mooch 2 Assists

It’s been just over a month since that very cold night in February where we squared off against the Rowdies and held them to a tie.  Last night...on a 60 degree, spring might finally be arriving evening, we faced the Rowdies in an epic match that was well played, but alas, did not produced a result.  Final score was Orangemen 4 and Rowdies 6.  By any standards a game with 10 goals scored was a fun match.  Arguably the ref handed the Rowdies two of their goals, one on an easy call for offsides, and one on which the opposition striker intentional dove in the box to gain a PK.  The offsides call wasn’t even close.  The PK was interesting because even though there was incidental contact, the striker admitted the dive, but the ref charged up to Jan our sweeper, and yelled in his face that he was an “idiot’ for fouling someone in the box.  I expected to see a yellow card, but perhaps the ref kept his card in his pocket and chose instead to berate our player for the foul.  First time anyone on the field can remember a ref getting up in a players face and yelling and screaming, versus the other way around.

OK on to the match.  This game marked the comeback of Jermaine, who started in defense in the first half and moved to striker in the second half.  He would score 2 of our 4 goals during the second half.

Kendall was also up top trying hard to grow a beard for our Mustache March celebration. Kendall scored one of our goals off an assist from Mooch, which he used his speed to run onto as Mooch poked the ball away from the defender who stepped in to block a fast and well played through ball from Jermaine.

Dave Nanney marked his first appearance due to the spring time weather.

Ben showed up and played a fantastic game for us in central midfield.

Gene played goal and had a number of spectacular saves, one where he reached blindly behind his back and batted the ball to the ground.  We also had a an even number of shots that we saved by the Rowdies keeper so we were probably even on the night in shots taken.

Jan and Mikey played their signature Sweeper/Stopper formation with Karl and Greg starting as left and right fullbacks.  Mooch moved Karl and Greg into half back positions when he introduced Jermaine and Jorge into the back.  Mauricio and Alfredo rounded out the midfield, with Alfredo bagging a goal on a ball he lofted over the keeper into the top left corner.  On that particular goal, at least 6 Orangemen touched the ball as it was played out of the back.  We had several excellent passing combinations last night...where we were able to string 5 and 6 passes together before losing possession.  Our final goal, also game on a long series of passes.  Played out of the back, through the midfield, and out to Kendall who was running up the right flank.  As he neared the box Mooch dropped back to stay onside and to position himself away from the defender in case Kendall decided to pass the ball in early, rather than try to beat the last defender on up the right.  Kendall chose to pass.  The ball came straight to Mooch’s feet.  He had just enough time to turn on the ball had hit a quick pass to Jermaine who was standing on the top of the 18.  Jermaine turned on the ball, pushed it forward to make space, took one step and blasted by the keeper on his left for his second goal of the night.  Last week we couldn’t string two passes together.  Last night we kept the ball moving.   It’s not clear to me what the chemistry has to be in order for this to happen...but whatever it was last night...we have to remember what we were doing.  Keep passing Orangemen.  Good things always happen.  The games are always fun.  And there is a lot less complaining within our ranks.  In fact I didn’t hear a single criticism last night due to a lack of passing the ball.

Special thanks to Jimbo Landoll who showed up on a nice evening to cheer us on!!

Two coaching tips that I forgot to mention.  First, very rarely should a back heel be used during a game.  The very best players might back heel once in a game...Mooch arguably has the best back heel on the team and he didn't back heel last night and he might use it once every few games.  Tedd back heels once or twice a decade and the last time he tried it his pass was picked off immediately.

Second, if you want to play up top, meaning in the striker position, you have to have two gun barrels.  That means you have to be able to strike with both feet.  Why put a striker up front with only one foot?  Better to put two strikers up front with four feet.  If you need work on your right footed shot...get out an practice during the week.