It was another solid Orangemen performance in challenging conditions. The first challenge was to make it to the field - Fox Mill-Fred Crabtree is in the middle of nowhere Reston and various app maps take one to various park related destination, but seemingly few directly to the field. Fortunately, by 6:30 we all made it (we think!). At game start, we had 10, FC Valpo had 9. Once we determined that the pitch was surfaced by what appeared to be living grass, and that it had been subject to a fair a mount of rain, we checked the field closure list on line and by phone, sent Jose to check the pitch, and, finding good grass with no mud puddles or other standing water, elected to proceed with the game.
The Orangemen dominated for the first 45 seconds and then got a taste of FC Valpo's ball skills and passing. We also learned that our defense (once we had a full compliment plus two subs) comprising George and John in the middle with Forrest and Greg on the wing backs (with solid participation from Mauricio and Kurt), could blunt the attack, win the ball, and start the counter attack in good form. Jose Smith proved to be a much better keeper that we could have hoped, and he readily stopped the few attacks that got past the defense - either as a last defender, or proper keeper.
After 5-10 minutes of play, B, took a beautiful feed from Favian (as I recall) and drilled it from outside the 18 into the upper left 90. Not too long after that Tom finished a solid Orangemen attack to put us up 2-0. With determined effort from Scott, Alfredo, and I, we held that lead into the second half. But the challenges overcame those efforts in the second halftone the final score was FC V 4, Orangemen 2.
During the second half the challenge of the field conditions, coming darkness, injury/cramping/fatigue, and persistent strong attacks from Valpo proved too much. As one point a single Valpo player single handedly carried the ball from outside 40 to the end line and back to I front of the goal where he scored their go ahead goal. They cracked at least three solid shots of the crossbar.
Not to long before their first goal, an Orangemen thrust was blunted when a Valpo defender sprawled on the ground grabbed the ball as our striker collected the ball and had free access to the goal supported by three other Orangemen. The properly assessed red card, drew dissent from the FC Valpo manager, who with repeated dissent and foul language earned a red card of his own. At that point, in an attempt to keep the game semi-sportsman like, I offered to let Valpo only play down one man. I still think it was the right call, but apologize to those who disagree as it may have effected the final score.
With limited exceptions it was a safe, friendly, fun game in the face of substantial challenges.
Thanks to Tedd for running the team the past two weeks and for this terrific Blog Post.
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