Orangemen vs Pretenders on a Very Warm Winter Solstice in 2013

Some might think the days are getting longer as the Sun is setting later in the day.  As it turns out December 21 is the Winter Solstice, and although the Sun has been setting later each day this week, it’s been rising just a little later as well, making December 21st this year’s shortest day of the year and the true Winter Solstice.  If you don’t understand how the Earth tilts on it’s axis as it rotates around the sun, you can catch up on your science here.  And even though the Earth is actually closer to the Sun during the winter months, due to our angle with the Sun the Earth's Atmosphere reflects a larger portion of the inbound radiance which is why it is cooler.  Although yesterday, at game time, temperatures in Fairfax were at 70 degrees, we must have been taking the direct rays, or Al Gore was right.  Here’s a good recap of the mechanics of a Winter Solstice as we make our annual passage around the sun.  

So we lost the game 2 to 3, but it was well fought and we certainly had our opportunities.  The game was ours to win and we had several additional opportunities to score that we failed to finish.  Will had the first really good shot on goal, which was textbook from outside the box.  Well struck, low and hard but rose just above the cross bar.  However Will redeemed himself with a fantastic assist to Tedd.  Tedd made a horizontal run right to left looking for an opportunity to put his left foot on the ball.  The Pretenders closed him down but eventually he was able to put the ball through to Will on the outside and advance on the inside of his man.  Will knew what he was going to play that ball back to Tedd and did so with a perfectly waited touch  back to the advancing Ogre’s left foot.  Tedd blasted the ball into the net but the credit goes to the scored with a fantastic assist from Will.  

A little later, after Mooch made the decision to play Jan in the midfield instead of straight back into sweeper, as Chris H very capable of cleaning up in the back, Jan scored with a fantastic goal with a great assist from Kendall.  Kendall made a great run up the left flank and beat his defender on the outside.  He ran forward and attacked the goal.  The keeper kept on his line so Kendall got his head up and saw orange in the center.  He crossed the ball into the box where Jan swept it into the net with his left foot.  Kendall came screaming out of the back with his arms spread wide to celebrate the goal as if he scored it.  Just like with Wills assist.  I give the credit to Kendall for playing the right ball and making the goal a walk in the park for Jan.

Unfortunately, the final score was Pretenders 3 Orangemen 2 but it was a great game nevertheless.

On the first Pretender’s goal, Chris charged out of the box but the ball took took an incredible unlucky hop or deflection and when over his head.  Their second goal came during the start of the second half. Gene had a low, but hard shot to his left easily covered,  But somehow it squirted out of his hands with enough momentum to make it into the net.  Their third goal was unstoppable.  However, with a little bit of luck going our way, the Pretenders first two goals wouldn't have happened and we would have won.  We fought to the end and in the closing minutes Cris ran onto a magnificent ball to the far post.  He almost brought it down and scored the tying goal in the last seconds of the game.  An appeal for handball went up as it look like the Pretenders defender pushed the ball past the end line with his arm just before the ref blew the whistle.  Without an Champions League Ref patrolling the end-line we may never know what happened.

Other important mentions for the game.  It was Eric B and Chris H first time to come play with us in months.  Jim Lister and Chris Brody, long veterans made an appearance.  Jim Landoll, still in retirement as far as we can tell, made the drive to watch the game and cheer us on. Chris and Gene split goal time first and second halves.  Tommy came, but noticed the numbers of Orangemen and graciously decided to head for home.  We had Mauricio, Alfredo, Kendall, William….as well as Cris S who played the first half for the Pretenders but then returned to us.  Him an Eric B started working together during the second half and when those two start passing they can take the ball anywhere on the field.

John Hamner played D and was fast running down most threats.  He also had to use his signature move to kick the ball off the attacker to win a few goal kicks rather than surrendering a corner.  Mikey and Jan were on board as was Gooch and Steve Harris.  Tedd fortified the midfield.  Dave Nanney and Mooch played up top.  Mooch was handed the ball in the box by the Pretender’s fullback but was unable to score.  He took the shot across the keeper, and although it appeared that the ball was on goal, he would argue that the keeper got his thumb on it, others would say it was always swinging wide.

Peter played for the Pretenders but confirmed with them ahead of time.  He had a wonderful opportunity to curl the ball from the flanks to the center of the field but kicked it straight into his own player which ricocheted out of bounds and to turn the ball over to the Orangemen at midfield.

The Ref called a great game...not much controversy...a very sporting match.

I know when we have big numbers like today everyone plays has a little less time on the field.  Thanks for being conscientious of the other players for coming off the field when called.  And if you didn't get enough playing time...my apologies...but thanks for coming and having a lot of fun regardless.

Fall Classico Alianza vs Orangemen Nov 2013

by guest blogger Kendall Perez

On a comfortably cool, misty night the Orangemen were facing one of the Grey division's most ill-tempered teams. In fact Alianza had just come off a three game suspension for fighting. Previous instructions from our management advised us to play our normal, sportsman- like way.  

Most of our players arrived on time and in fact we even had a few guest players insuring that Le Orangé even had a few subs. With the approval of Mooch I was allowed to invite a previous guest Richard.  Others such as Gene's son George also made a cameo appearance.

The game started promptly at 8 pm and began at a frenetic pace with Alianza attacking throwing many players forward spearheaded by their two under-30 players. The game was lively with chances at both ends. Several lovely balls over the top allowed us to draw a foul just outside the left side penalty box. William stepped up to take the direct free kick and blasted a laser beam of a shot left-to-right to the top right corner of the goal. Golazo! Their goalie could only look on ....frozen in disbelief. "First blood"to the Orangemen! 1-0. 

Throughout the first half Kendall (henceforth referred to as I) had several chances to score but only managed to kick it too close to the keeper for a tip over save and one shot that hit the crossbar and that was just in the first half. Before the half was over we were leading  2-1. 

In the second half Alianza blocked several of my shots and I missed even more chances! Luckily William scored again from distance on a well placed shot to the left lower corner. Alianza answered back with a swerving blast of their own that Jean did well to get his gloves on but was unlucky to deflect in for a goal. 

The Orangemen would never relinquish the lead and more unselfish play from the defense and midfielders released Ben down the left flank. He accelerated past the last defender cleverly going near post to squeeze one past the keeper. Near the end of the game we were leading 4-3 when Andy of Alianza did his best "Greg Louganis" diving impression deceiving the ref into calling a questionable penalty. Alas the score was tied 4-4 in a game that if not for my futility in front of goal we would have won. 

Thanks gentlemen for continuing to have faith in me throughout the game. Lineup f/Orangemen: Jean, George, Jan, Matt, John H, Mauricio, Ben, Ted, Chris, Nathan?, Dave Nanney, Richard, William's friend, Kendall

What a night!

Thanks Kendall for a terrific write-up.  You put me right in the action.  I'm sorry I couldn't be there!!

Orangemen vs Rowdies Nov 2013

True to form we once again did better in the second half, then the first.  It’s really not clear to me, how, with an aging team, we seem to pull it together in the second half, and it’s not like the other teams back off.  No, in this case I think the Rowdies had more action against us in the second half, but we played up to their advances.  So the first have score was 4 to zero.  And we went 1 to 1 in the second half.  Bernie gets the honors for the goal in the second half.

Gene had a number of tremendous saves...he was always well positioned.  One shot was in his hands, he was too hard, another shot beat him on the near post it looked like he had it covered.

We lacked passing in the back third and in the final third.  Last night passing in the final third would have been more effective.  

When things are not going well for the Rowdies way a couple of their players seem to whine a bit more than most.  One is an extremely talented player...but he constantly complains and tries to gain an advantage anyway he he can. He pushes and fouls, but when he get’s fouled it’s like he was a victim of Charles Mason.   He’s got whining on the brain and is one of the most annoying players to play against.  Don’t know what it might be like to be on his team, but after the game, to walk off the field and not shake anyone’s hand is a classic move and gives us a glimpse of his true character.  I think he actually believes he’s too talented to be on the field with us.

Although he was a young guy he didn’t do the damage to us.  The Rowdies pass the ball, relentlessly.  That was does the damage.  The guy passing the ball in get’s a much pleasure from a great ball in then the strike itself.  Why we can’t play this way, I’m not sure, but we need to passing or crossing the ball into the box.  Last night, in fact the game last week, we were only playing fast breaks.

I talked to Doug and he apologized for the underage player.  He says he showed up before he knew he was on the field.  He said he wouldn’t allow it next time we play.

Finally, I’m not a big fan of the Ref who called the game from over half-field.  I’ve heard that the ref’s from one of the other companies are of higher quality...I’m going to start looking into it.

Orangemen vs Great Pretenders - November 2013

In the midst of the controversy over the Washington Redskins name it was pointed out to me that Syracuse University, affectionately referred to as the Orangemen, officially changed their title to simply “Orange” in 2004...almost ten years ago.  This, to avoid the apparent gender bias of referring to the collective as Orange-men, even when we do have women who play for us and cheer us on.  Once an Orangeman always an Orangeman is what we like to say...and for me there is no gender bias associated with the term.  Orangemen refers to the collective players or fans on the team and only reflects gender so far as the gender make-up of the team and fan base is known.  We have female players and fans who are Orangemen so collectively the term Orangemen is gender neutral.  Women can be Orange”men” just as women are wo”men” and as an Orange”man” they are just as hu”man”.  But instead of being wo and hu they are simply Orange, collectively, we are Orangemen.  I’m well aware that even the term women and human, have also been categorized as having gender bias, which prompts us to use terms like “person”. But, in normal conversation, human and women have not yet been struck from English Language. And, there is no way we are changing our name to Orangepersons.  In the end, unless a group steps forward complaining that the term Orangemen is discriminatory we are not prompted to change our name to Orange.  An Orange is a color or a fruit.  We are definitely not a type of citrus or simply a color choice.  Syracuse Orange went in that direction thus leaving us to be the only Orangemen on the block.  We should be proud because our name is both gender-less and uncontested..  Now onto last nights game...

As the Fall officially took hold of Northern Virginia, with the nip of winter in the air, and the smell of falling leaves all around, it is officially soccer season.  The Orangemen assembled, slowly, at Arrowbrook Park in Herndon for another fixture with the Great Pretenders, led by Michael R.  It appeared we would have 14 by the eVite, however at kick-off only 10 Orangemen had arrived and we had to rely on the Pretenders to supply us with number 11 to get the game started.  At home games we’ve got to do better on getting to the field on time, not the least of which is the fact that I have to pay for the field ahead of time, and last night the ref was looking for his recompense early.  Also, and more important, with the colder temperatures upon us, everybody needs to warm up.  The other reason an earlier arrival is important so you know the rules under which we are playing, like having to remove jewelry, or  whether or not we are sliding.  Last night was a no sliding game.  So please get to the field on time.

Last night we had an all star line-up.  Jan was in the back sweeping, Matt was ahead of him as stopper.  Karl was in in his fav position as right full-back and Chuck started as left back.  Tedd started in midfield assisted by our loaner, Genaro, with Maurico on the right, and Alfredo on the left of midfield.  Johnny H and Mooch started up top.  Players who rounded out our Orangemen power last nighted included Bernie, Cris, Steve H, Will H, and a friend of Genaro’s.  

The Orangemen dominated possession for the first 20 minutes of the game.  We controlled the midfield and pressured the Pretenders immediately, winning and winning the ball.  We had a number of opportunities to score, and our persistence was repaid when Johnny H found the back of the net.  Eventually, the Pretenders found they form and mounted numerous counter attacks, but Jan was able to run down the serious threats, and Dr. Matt was able to use his speed to break down threats before they developed.  When Cris took the field our dominance in the midfield was boosted considerably as his ball control is exquisite, rivaled only by Ben who took the night off to walk in the park with more visiting family members and look at the changing leaves.  Also, with Bernie’s arrival (Bernie went to the wrong field) which we’ve all done once or twice, or three times, he complemented Johnny’s speed up top which always takes the pressure off and allows us the defense to recover and reset.

The Pretender’s never gave up and during the second half they were throwing everything at us.  In fact I lost count but at a minimum the Pretenders hit the post or the cross bar on at least five shots.  That’s not to say we didn’t have our share of chances at their end of the field, we did, however we didn’t hit the pine that many times.  Unfortunately, in the last minute of the game, the Pretender’s were given a corner kick.  The ball went to the back post, a scramble ensured, and they were able to tie the score with only seconds remaining.

All and all it was a fantastic game…

I need to point out that the ref last night issued at least one yellow card to the Pretenders for dissent, and was considering a yellow card for dissent for us as well.  There should be no reason to talk to the ref.  If a yellow card is shown, walk off the field.  Also, after Bernie took down one of the Pretenders strikers, was shown yellow, and walked off the field, everyone else should be walking away from the incident.  That diffuses the situation.  Walking toward the incident or debating with other players just increases the tension.  Will H, who was already on a yellow, was seconds away from being shown red, which would have reset our “Sportsmanship” clock.  I want to point out that the Orangemen haven’t had a red card since Nov 6, 2012.  We are at exactly a year...it would have been ironic to reset the clock at the one year point.  So way to go Orangemen,  365 days without a red card.  Well Done!

Orangemen vs Arlington Oct 2013

After a very cold day by 4 pm the temperature was peaking as we assembled at Gunston to play Arlington.

Final score was 3 to 8, however, uncharacteristically, we actually won the first half, 3 to 2.

In fact, we went up 3 to 0 during the first half and it felt good.  But then we broke completely down.  It’s hard to figure out what happened...other than moving our guest player, Richard, out of the defense, and breaking up the speed of Kendall and John H by asking John to play sweeper.  Chris also departed at half-time.  Perhaps fatigue also played a factor...our passing was exceptional during the first half, including the assistance of Jim Lister Sr. who talley an assist early on to earn our first goal.

George scored a very nice goal that required him to bully his way into the box and aggressively see through to the finish., Kendall scored an classic goal from the outside as a clever thru ball was played just between the defender upon which Kendall sprinted onto it.  Approaching from the right he had the golden opportunity to strike it near post or far post with his left foot.  He waited for the keeper to protect his near post and with the outside of his left boot he was able to go far post and easily beat the keeper.  

Those first three goals were so easy it seemed as if we were running away with the game.  Then, it’s my belief, that out passing broke down.  The passes eventually came but we were holding the ball too long waiting for a better opportunity.  If the first pass opens up for you make the pass.  Stop waiting to either beat your man or for another opportunity to open up.  Control the ball, then pass the ball. 

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Regardless of the outcome It was a fun game...we did play end to end and had plenty of opportunities.  

The referee was one of the worst we have had in a while...it definitely seemed like the calls were going against up and he was detached from the game.  We will keep this particular ref under observation and if we experience further problems report him to the league if appropriate.

Orangemen vs Casuals Oct 2013

We played the game against Chantilly at Arrowhead Park at 8 pm.  The field at Arrowhead has changed considerably since it was arguably the best kept grass field in NVA.  It’s now a typically hard grass field with sketchy grass cover and divots.  Nevertheless, it’s good to occasionally play on a grass field.

Pulling up numbers for Saturday was somewhat problematic.  The Orangemen have got to get a little bit better at responding to the eVites.  I know some of you have not be receiving the eVite..but to date, I’ve never missed sending on out.  If you don’t get one by Weds night send me an email.  In most cases recently you have been on the eVite so the technical difficulty is on your end.  Nevertheless, send me an email if you are uncertain.

So, as the game started we were still short on numbers.  Even Chantilly was having trouble getting to eleven despite the fact that each us thought we would be in the 12-13 range.  Nevertheless we started 9 v 9.  But those numbers went to 10 v 10.  Nanney made a crucial decision 10 minutes in to move Chris, the new arrival for Chantilly, onto our side, while he picked up a position for Dick on the Casuals.  The result was a fairly balanced 10 v 10 game.  Despite the final outcome, 4 to 6, it was a great game, and two of the Chantilly 6 were own goals.  Both were spectacular.   Gooch put one in net off his head,  and Ben cleared one into the side netting.

On the scoring table Ted score 2, WIll scored 1, Chris scored 1.  Karl, also pulled off late in the game leaving us with 9 on the pitch.

Really fun game Orangemen...

Orangemen vs Springfield Oct 2013

First, a word on safety.  The Orangemen allow slide tackling, that is our default position.  If you are not explicitly told at kick-off, that we are not sliding, the assumption is that we are sliding.  Until such a time as the league changes it’s stance on sliding we are a sliding team.  Springfield is also a sliding team.  We don’t arbitrarily decide at kick-off that we are becoming a non-sliding team for the night.  The only thing that makes us a non-sliding team is a request from the other team that we do not slide.  This is decided by the two managers at the center circle.  Springfield is a sliding team as well.  Many teams are not.  Everyone needs to know at the start of the game if we are sliding or not sliding.  Any confusion when it comes to sliding is a safety risk.  Guest players do not make that decision for us.  The manager makes that decision. For the most part, thanks for everyone staying up last night...given the confusion of ruling at kick-off.  Unfortunately,, against a fast team like Springfield, a slide or two would have worked in our favor.   

We had trouble making our numbers last night but many thanks for the extra’s who showed up to play.  Bernie and George showed from the Pentagon team.  Charlie from the Turtles came to the wrong “Arrow” field and stayed to play with us.  And James the manager of unReal Fairfax asked both Mooch and Robie if he could join as his team withdrew for the remainder of the season.  Pete also made the drive down from Baltimore to join us.

Gene was in goal and made several outstanding saves during the first half.  Saves that he simply shouldn’t have been able to stop.

Tedd ran the midfield with Bernie and James up top. John Hamer was sweeping and kept us in it with his speed.  Man on man John was the fastest on the field last night.  He demonstrated he could outpace all of their attackers last night.  The problem was, he couldn’t outpace all three at the same time, although he tried on several occasions. Springfield remains the team with the highest per capita speed.  It’s amazing the Robie was able to field so many really fast players when most team can only come up with one or two.  But it’s his players speed that really define Springfield terrific run of form this year...as they still have won most of their matches.

Bernie scored two… first half Steve H was playing left winger.  Steve took the ball at his feet, used his body to keep the defense away, turn inside and used the outside of his right foot to put a square ball inside directly onto Bernie’s path. Bernie to one touch to set  up the shot moving into on his right and the hit a terrific bender high in the top right corner.

On his second goal in the second half Tedd place a terrific through  ball to him straight up the middle Bernie used a sudden burst of acceleration to run through the middle and straight into the box.  He touched it toward goal and made a last second lunge at the ball to sweep it past the keeper into the left side netting.

Tedd scored our third goal in very fast paced flurry of passing in front of the Turtles net.  Ultimately Tedd settled the ball about ten yards out.  He hit a hard shot to the right side of the goal with his left foot.  It look like a goal but it gonged the right post and bounced straight back in the direction it game, just as fast.  Tedd used instinct alone to reach out at the ball as it raced back toward him to redirected the ball into the left side of the net.

Final score, first half Turtles 3 Orangemen 1.  Second half, Turtles 3, Orangemen 2.  It was a fantastic game.   Although we came up short, everyone played their hearts out and it was a fair competition.

At the end of the match, one of the Orangemen did question the age of a few of the Springfield players, but Robie assured us the two players who were called out, were 33 and 34 respectively.  Nevertheless, it will be important to the Orangemen to make the age distinction since we have been burned by underage players just about every way possible.  Underage players have been brought in against us, we have had underage players brought on to our side.  We have been called out by other teams and found wanting.  The coaches league, being non-competitive, has never required the use of ID cards and age verification. From time to time, when the age issue gets out of hand, the league brings it back up.  It’s pretty simple...we simply tell the truth.  There are two exceptions.  One, there is room for a player in their  30th year, to come out and play, and see if this is the team, league for them.  Two, Son’s or Daughter’s of Orangemen, provided they have turned 18, are welcome to play with their parents.  The League has accepted off-spring as the exception to the age rule since it’s inception in the mid-seventies.

We do not bring underaged players onto the Orangemen in order to win games. We must seek a competitive advantage according to the rules.  Cheating to win is not winning…it is cheating.  Just like we’ve made great advances in our sportsmanship to not take a throw-in when we know we kicked it out.  Or not to intentionally use our hands to score a goal.  We have a zero-policy for cheating on the Orangemen, and if you are caught cheating, you will be sanctioned.