Defiance game

A rainy, threatening Tuesday and we're playing Defiance, one of the up and coming conference teams who had just drawn with Transylvania 0-0. We begin very well and after a series of chances, Corey Campbell drills a laser into the top corner for a 1-0 lead. We play some of the best we've seen through most of the half and end it 1-0 up with a 13-2 edge in shots.

Second half they decide (wisely, I'm afraid) not to try and play with us but to drive long balls at us. We still create some chances but aren't as comfortable. As the half goes on we get a bit more possession but then---lightning in the 72nd minute. The delay lasts 42 minutes and we get back out of sorts and concede a bad foul (player with his back to goal) in the 89th minute and yet again we concede a set piece goal late. We rarely been scored on from open play in the conference this year---4 of 6 goals from restarts (corners, free kicks). Center back is a huge recruiting target for us since current occupants Frank Mbaya and Mike Nsoesie are 5'7" and 5'8" respectively. Both are actually midfield players.

We go to OT and Ameer gets a run in on goal in the first period but misses the target. As the second OT begins it's quite dark but we're going with the wind toward the south end when we get more lightning which brings the game to an end. We share the points, which isn't a disaster but definitely a missed opportunity. We're now 4th in the HCAC.

Maybe worst of all Ameer picked up a soft yellow (too close to a free kick) which will mean a 2-game suspension at the worst possible time. There was considerable trash talk which had racial overtones toward him and I'm pleased that he didn't respond although I'm disappointed the offender goes unpunished. The referee was told about it but it's not surprising he didn't hear anything.

We go to Manchester this Saturday with a definite need for 3 points. We will miss Ameer and Shvan (broken arm) and we'll have to invent another striker. Suggestions ?