Goleros earn hard-fought point; rematch coming

For the last match of the regular season, we showed really well.  We all would have all preferred the win, but the way in which we played to a tie was quite satisfying.  We had to come from behind, we stayed composed despite some changes to the game plan on the field, and we did what was necessary to earn the result that guaranteed us a second place finish in the division.  That's the highest we've finished in years, potentially going all the way back to our first stint in Third Division.  We have been fighting for 1st or 2nd going into that final week a number of times, but often we have lost that last game and tumbled a few spots.  Not this time.  Our failure to win turned out to be insignificant anyway.  FC Arlington took care of business and won their game, so they would have topped us no matter what.

We played hard.  It was a competitive match throughout.  DCD proved to be every bit as refined and talented as we thought.  All of their men seemed like 6'4" to me.  They got the first goal at the end of the first half.  I lost my mark by ball watching and Sanjay, their captain and the league commissioner, headed the ball into the goal.  Kelly was almost able to clear it off the line though so it was close.

Same was true when we struck.  Following a great run of possession, Chris D dribbled with purpose deep into the box and took a powerful shot.  It was deflected twice by defenders, though not very cleanly, before rolling across the line.  Both goals in the match were scored by thin margins.  It was the essence of competition, a great game to be a part of on a beautiful day.

So, that's it, right?  We enjoy the result and rest on our laurels?  NO, NOT GOING TO HAPPEN.  We have to play these guys again this week.  And it's gonna get harder.  They will be bringing their two best strikers, who we did not see in the regular season game.  They are going to be hungry.  Look at it from their perspective.  They "lost" a close one, as they will surely be unhappy with the tie that sent them to third place and an extra playoff game.  They are in the groove right now and will have a chip on their shoulder.  We will need to be even better to win.


Notes: 1-1 tie vs DC Divided on 10/30/11 at Ridge.  Goal: Chris D. (Ermy).  GK: George.