Hanover Game

Saturday was a glorious fall weather day; sunny, cool and maybe a bit windy but still better than most. We kicked off at 5PM because schedules were affected by the presidential inauguration ceremonies and this meant it was a trifle dim by the end of the game---thankfully no overtime.

We were very flat at the start which prompted a statement by Rob that I cannot repeat in it's entirety (flat as a...) nor could I evaluate since I have no knowledge of the topography of flatulence. He was right. Having said that, Ameer had already hit the crossbar with a beautiful chip when the Hanover defenders gifted him an easy chance to finish in the 17th minute and we're up 1-0. We knew Hanover were more capable in attack than defence (they lost to Centre 8-4 !!!) but their generosity was appreciated and helped get us going a bit.

This turned out to be Felipe Buitrago's best game so far and his constant movement and willingness to show to the ball endlessly made us go. If you watch the video, which should be posted tomorrow or Tuesday you'll see him go through defenders several times, especially on the side near the stand in the second half. The fans love him---that's one of the advantages you get by being 5'4" tall. With about 10 minutes to go we got a direct kick from 30 yards out and Tamru hit a ball the guys in the wall won't soon forget. Tammy's in my bowling class and this one was a strike ! There was an audible boom when it hit. Cory Campbell hit a post late on.

First half ended 1-0 and second began much better for us. Hanover would get no shots in the second half (17-3 us on the game ) and we were able to possess for long periods. In about the 56th minute Ameer took a ball in the box and back across goal where he was fouled and the penalty given. Tamru's PK gave the keeper no chance, 2-0. We continued to dominate territory and possession and and I was able to rest some players late on.

We are 3-2 in conference and tied for 3rd. Had we seen out the last 10 seconds of the Transy game we'd be in first. We play Defiance on Tuesday after they tied Transy 0-0 at home yesterday. They'll be tough and it reflects the close nature of the conference this year. Anderson beat us and then lost to Bluffton and Mount St. Joseph in consecutive games. Transy beat Manchester 1-0 despite a heavy shot count against them, beat us in the aforementioned epic and now drew with Defiance. It's all up for grabs. All the teams in the conference are now coached by competent and committed professionals and it shows in the results.