Less(er) is more

Found a team photo for Club Minence, except the curly haired guy is missing.

Cake Eaters

It looked like a scene from the Mighty Ducks.  Us being the “District 5” team, and the other team clearly being the “Hawks”.  It even had a little “Invasion of Normandy” feeling with all of the bodies laying on the bench and the field.  Although, things looked really promising when we scored in the first few minutes on a Steffen to Hastings hookup.  After that, the wheels fell off.  Before the half was over we were down 7-1.  We barely even had the ball.  Our rotations went from lasting an average of 5 minutes to lasting around 37 seconds.  So what happened?

Well, they were way more prepared.  I think fitness is where they beat us the most.  They passed the ball around, and we couldn’t afford to chase them.  So, we had to stand in place while they 1-2 passed around us.  And, they had around 10 subs, and I don’t think they all even touched the field.

So, that being said, I’m not discouraged about our team, not one bit.  If we keep getting in better shape as the season goes, we have a pretty good chance of beating some people.

Highlights

We scored both of our goals at the beginning of each half.  Then, we were really tired and didn’t do anything for the rest of those halves.

While discussing whether we should be in a lower league after the game, Cole suggested that “just scrimmaging ourselves” might be the fairest solution.

Jeff came really close to dying.  A couple times, I held a spoon in front of his mouth, just to check.

They stopped keeping score at 10-2.  They definitely scored at least 4 more, so no telling what the final score was.

Ryan Doonkeen did not come to the game because he was tired!!  Not a highlight, but he did need to get shamed. (side note: boy, how late was that game last night!? right?)

Edit:

Forgot to give a HUGE shoutout to our fan club! Jessica and Britnee, thank you for cheering us on at 1 am in a shady part of town.  I loved every time you chanted for Cole, our secret weapon.

The New Guys

I wanted to give our new guys, Cole and Matt, a quick shoutout.  Matt played fantastic.  There wasn’t much he could’ve done on those goals, especially the ones 5 feet away from the goal.  We just have to do a better job of not letting them get that easy of chances.  And Cole looked like a natural (he had apparently been to ISA before, like 10 years ago).  He was a little hesitant to throw his weight around (we know you’ve got it), but he was quick with his decision making, and definitely made me laugh a few times.  Plus, he stayed on the field way longer than most of us, letting us wheeze for a little extra on the bench.  So thanks to you guys for playing.

The Future

Here is a list of the rest of the teams in our division (unless Joey can pull some strings and put us into the Women’s league).

• BALLERSTATUS
• ATLETICO SAN PANCHO
• OKC UNTED 1492
• JALISCO
• LOS BANDOLEROS UNIDOS
• LOS QUETZALES
• DEPORTIVO LA LOMA
• CHAMUCOS

I don’t know if you noticed it like I did, but there are totally 2 teams in there that are not hispanic sounding.  I think that has the potential for a couple of W’s.

Next Week

Our game next week is at 10:50pm on the same field.  We play Chamucos. There is a good chance that we will have jerseys, which, like the Mighty Ducks, will make a huge difference.

Closing Thoughts

I know the games are late guys, but there is almost nothing we can do about it.  We play in the lowest men’s league, and those play after everyone else.  We also requested to play only on Wednesdays, which is their busiest night.  So we play the latest on the busiest night, these are the breaks.  I’m pumped to see everyone back out there next week, so rest up, and take naps if need be.

- Scott, Head Cuda