Game 2 -  Xtreme vs. Arab Crossfire- September 10, 2006

The Xtreme continued its winning ways today, beating the visiting Arab Crossfire 6-0. The game was held at the John Hunt Complex on Airport Road. The afternoon was a hot one and it was the second game in as many days for the team. The big question was could the team put together another performance like yesterday’s game.

Early in the game the question was answered, it was a definite YES. The scoring started early in the game when Reid played a ball from deep in the corner in front of the goal. Turtle, playing the attacking midfield role, made a run in to the box to 1 time Reid’s cross in to the net.

It didn’t take long for Reid to get involved again. He made a great run in to the box and Evan hit him in stride. Reid faked a shot and made the defender bite and moved the ball into space. He hit the ball to the far post and the ball ricocheted off the post and in to the net.

The Crossfire battled hard and stepped up their game. They were able to put pressure on the defense and get some chances on goal. But, as always the defense would bend but they wouldn’t break. Cody ran down a breakaway and stepped between the Crossfire striker and the ball; what a great move. Only one problem, the referee felt like Cody was doing a little too much pushing and gave him a yellow card. In my opinion, Cody made a great play on the ball and didn’t deserve a yellow card.

Deserved yellow card or not, the Crossfire was awarded a direct kick just out side of the penalty area. The Crossfire lined up and was looking to put the kick in to the net. The player made a beautiful kick and I just knew the ball was going in to the net. Then from out of nowhere Ben leaps into the air and somehow pushes the ball away from the goal making another spectacular save.

The Xtreme was able to gain the momentum back and push the ball back up field. The team moved the ball deep into Crossfire territory. Evan was at attacking midfield and had the ball at his feet. He found Spike on an offensive run from the defensive midfield position who was able to hit a left footer in to the net. The team went to half up 3-0.

The second half started great. The team immediately gained possession and worked as unit to move the ball in to the penalty area. Turtle was able to 1 time a loose ball at the edge of the 18 and pound it in for a goal. It was the best possession of the game and for that brief 4 or 5 minutes the team has not looked better.

The scoring continued in the second half when Michael got in to the act. Michael was able to get hold of a rebound a put one in the back of the net. If you’ve ever seen Michael get a hold of one then you know that the goalie didn’t have a chance on this one.

The final goal was put in when Teachey chested a pass from Evan down to his feet. He was able to hit with his left foot over a defender and over the outstretched hands of the goalie.

The team was now up 6-0 and the game was well in hand. Although the team didn’t play their greatest game they showed resilience and found ways to score. The defense held strong and made big plays when we needed them. I believe this is a sign of a good team, finding ways to win even when the team is not at their best. The boys showed maturity today and pulled together as a team to get the win.

Now it’s on to State League play next week. The boys have worked hard and have come a long way in a short amount of time. THEY ARE READY!  Goal of the Week - Teachey