5th string keeper inspires team with gritty play, but it wasn't enough

We are fortunate to have 3 trained keepers in our ranks. Unfortunately, none of them could be there this week. Nor could Adrian, the most able replacement among the field players. So it fell to the fifth stringer: me. Thankfully, there are still others who are willing to pitch in too - Nate, Tracy, even Chip (who wasn't there today). Griz is still on goalie sabbatical, having earned the right to take a long break after breaking his ribs at the position.

Well, I wouldn't call it gritty play, but I made a few saves. I missed a few others. We went down by two goals early because of some porous defense and a little blooper on the second goal where the ball went through my hands and ended up eventually at the feet of the other team. Give Little Urban Achievers this: they had three great shots - particular the third one, which was a bender to the far post from approximately the 18. I got some fingers on it, but I couldn't block it.

LUC was gunning for the win at all costs. That was evident in their unnecessary challenges, dissent, and name calling - all despite being ahead by up to 3 goals. A few of their challenges, while they began with what appeared to be 50/50 balls, could have resulted in our players being injured. They're a great team, I'd like to see them put that part of their game behind them. The red card was puzzling. The ref was quick to pull it out. But the LUC player couldn't deal, talked back to the ref, picked up the second yellow, and then refused to leave the field - under different circumstances that would result in a longer suspension because our rules are clear on that (we speak from experience). He'll sit out at least one game by rule, but we won't support anything longer than that if asked by the Disciplinary Committee.

Raise your hand if you think Caro gives 100%

Congrats to the offense for pulling a goal back in the final 10 minutes. Elyse put some mustard on a nice shot from the top of the box. Even though it hit an opposing player's bum, it had plenty on it to get by the keeper. That goal cost LUC a second place finish and bye in the playoffs. Several players kept the pace up - Chris, Ally, and others.

Fun game.

Good LUC to our friends in the post season.

Check back later this week for the full season report.

Notes: 3-1 loss to Little Urban Achievers on 11/8/09 at Trinity. Goal: Elyse (Ermy). GKs: Pete, Nate, Tracy. Discipline: Percy (yellow for late challenge).