NFC Shrugs Off Early Scare to Defeat Namecorps 5-1

Norfolk and Chance managed to extend their invincible unbeaten streak to nine games this Saturday. 
 
It came after an early scare had them trailing for 12 minutes during the first half.  When Berman got the early goal for Namecorps, NFC were scrambling.  The competitive edge that usually keeps Norfolk in front seemed to have turned in on itself for the moment, as this Saturday giant staggered to find its footing while trailing.  Eventually, equalized, but Namecorps still appeared to have an upper hand at the halftime break. 
 
The infighting subsided in the second half, and Rudolfo managed to net after a wonder-run up the left side, leaving three Namecorps defenders for dead en route to smashing the ball to the top left corner. 
 
At 2-1, however, the game was far from over.  Namecorps dug in tooth and nail to climb back into the game.  Extending themselves so far left Namecorps exposed to breakaways at the back.  But this is where things got interesting: goalkeeper Trevor put in an effort worthy of a bid to the Crescent City All-Star team!
 
1-on-1’s, 2-on-1’s, it didn’t matter.  Trevor thwarted attacker after attacker, frustrating NFC well into the second half.  The luck appeared to run out when Trevor was left no choice finally but to take down Jason as he slipped the ball behind the keeper.  But as Jason’s penalty sailed over the bar, it looked like Trevor could single-handedly keep his team within striking distance.
 
NFC’s Ricardo had other plans.  The wise defender observed striker after striker fail against Trevor, and he plotted his own approach.  Given a chance against the Namecorps keeper, Ricardo’s head-fake hesitation sent Trevor lunging toward him just as he expected.  When the moment came to float a perfect up-and-down scoop into the back of the net, this wily veteran executed perfectly. 
 
At 3-1, NFC had successfully spaced themselves away from this week’s challengers.  The match closed at 5-1. 
 
Saturday teams, take heed.  The points-gap is growing between NFC and the rest.  It’s hard to imagine what it will take to slow them down.

Two sides stand strong on Tuesday…

While some hid, took cover, and worried about the consequences of Tuesday night’s torrential downpour, two sides stood proudly on the pitch at S.J. Green Charter Elementary.  Throat Yogurt and the Pelicans would not be thwarted on this night in their quest for glory and enjoyment playing 6v6 soccer.

When the ref asked before the game whether they wanted to try to squeeze it in or head home, Stuart and Nick of Throat Yogurt had to hold back their laughter.  Of course they would play.  Pelicans captain Luis, similarly scoffed the notion of quitting and minutes later, the whistle blew.  The teams began playing underneath the looming grey clouds.

Both sides came flying out of the gate, knowing full well that once the rains began, the pretty passing might not be possible.  Chances came for both sides, and Travis of the Pelicans took advantage of the dribbling conditions while he could, even while playing keeper.  About ten minutes into the first half, Pelicans were able to take the lead 1-0.  Not to be outdone, Throat Yogurt, F.C. pushed hard to equalize.  One shot struck the post, ricocheted off the keeper’s back, then bounced twice off the crossbar without crossing the goal line.  TY’s Nick could only shake his head in awe.

And for the players of Throat Yogurt, the downpours seemed to drench their hopes of coming back in this game because Pelicans seemed well conditioned for the miserable weather.  A composed passing game in attack combined with a well-structured backline in defense for the frequent puddle-induced miscues allowed them to preserve a clean sheet. As the rains came down, they were able to open their lead up to 3-0 before the half.

The second half brought with it inches upon inches of precipitation, and playing the beautiful game became even more difficult.  First touches deflected out of bounds, short-hopped passes skidded underneath receivers’ feet, and dribblers and defenders alike struggled to find their footing.  However when one Throat Yogurt player was overheard saying, “This is crazy!” he was not to be misunderstood as complaining about the elements.  When a teammate asked what he meant, it became clear that these players’ only concerns were the scoreboard.  “We can’t get one in there!” he said.

Pelicans’ 3-0 lead proved to be enough, and despite peppering the goal in the game’s final 15 minutes, Throat Yogurt could not find the back of the net.  Travis, playing the role of a sweeper/keeper, remained impassable for all 50 minutes.

Many thanks to both of these teams, who focused amidst terrible weather, played a very fair, clean game and made it all possible by mutually agreeing to avoid what could have been potentially dangerous challenges.  Well done, Throat Yogurt and Pelicans!  It’s efforts like these that go down in the annals of Crescent City Soccer, and the commitment does not go unnoticed.  Great game!

And special thanks to all who stayed around afterward to help clean up!