UU v New Team Thursday Mxd 3 (02-03-06)
Haven't set up a blog like the netball "Chargers" because I think it'll take too long since I'm organising other stuff. Someone else from Uniting United want to take up that role?Doesn't matter, we'll just post up match reports here.
First game and I felt a bit nervous, naturally. I had no idea what to expect from our opponents, would they be huge and physical, would they be really quick and skilful? These questions actually took a backseat for a while as I was more worried about our team itself.
Mandy had successfully recruited five girls to play however in the few days leading up to our first foray into indoor soccer, four girls pulled out and one got injured. Luckily we managed to call in Vanessa and Teresa to play. The rules stipulate we need at least two girls on the field at any one time so I was a little edgy when realising we only had two girls who were able to come. This meant they wouldn't have any break since there were no girls to sub with!
Anyhow, we all arrived and then the match finally got underway. I was somewhat relieved because our opponents weren't as fearsome as I had expected. Even so, they managed to get a few lucky shots in the early exchanges. It didn't help when we gave away two penalties but Colin in goals saved the penalty he gave away so kudos to him.
Before we knew it, even though we were on par in terms of skill, we were a few goals down. By half time we were 0-6 down. I think lack of positioning and organisation cost us. A lot of times we were left wanting in defence after a failed attack. Everyone would run up to the forward line, we'd shoot and their goalie would save it. Then he'd piff the ball to a guy who was totally unmarked and alone to basically have the luxury of a one-on-one with our goalie. The majority of their goals were scored from quick counter-attacks, so the lack of defence is something we invariably need to address in future matches.
Second half, and we began to settle. Colin was dazzling with his oversteps and shimmies which were much appreciated in a new team struggling to maintain possession. Liang was strong and decisive at the back just as Andrew was a solid presence in defence. Justin was a workhorse chasing everything down and Peter was a revelation in goals, only letting one past him in the whole second half. I was tiring out really quickly due to a combination of a lack of sleep and food but I managed to put us on the scoreboard after some indecisive defending by the opposition let me slip in and toe bash it home. 1-6.
The girls were holding themselves rather well too. Teresa, Bex and Vanessa were not afraid to get stuck in and give the guys a few kicks. I was really worried the girls would get hurt because I know how rough guys can be, but it was largely unfounded since I still fail to remember the physical differences in mens and mixed indoor soccer. Unfortunately, while one of our opponents was riduculously having a shot from the halfway line, Bex was in the way and the ball hit her. I've been hit many times in the legs from blocking shots and believe me, it stings. Bex got hit in the shoulder/chest area. Nuff said. Later on, she was hit again, this time by one of our own trying to clear the ball from defence. Ouch. In the later stages, Colin added two goals to our score to make it a reasonable 3-7 loss. Not bad for our first go!
Amazingly, our loss somehow translated to a win on the ladder. I presume that the other team forgot to pay their fees or broke the rules in one way or another, therefore giving us a 6-0 win and 6 pts (four for the win, two bonus points). Because of that, we're now sitting high and pretty on top of the ladder, although I expect a tougher match this Thursday. Nonetheless, I give the team a 6-0 for effort. Good first game guys, now all we need is discipline and organisation and we should be alright!
posted by greggie @ 10:01 am
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