Indoor is picking up steam

Things are looking up for a potential indoor season beginning Jan. 30th. It will depend upon (1) getting sufficient players; (2) whether there is room in the Springfield league. Costs will be about $77 per person. If you're interested in playing, send an email to golerosteam@gmail.com.

Join the team!

Elves!

Have you ever wanted to see what your teammates look like as dancing elves? Here's your chance. The idea is courtesy of two friends of mine on another team.

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1438055582

All hope lost - oh, and happy holidays!

All hope is lost for a Fallfest tournament. I see no updates on the website and Jason over at Columbia Soccer has nothin' for me. It's too bad, it was a nice Fall tradition. I would have been up for a December tournament to close the year.

While this blog won't be super busy in the coming months, I am planning plenty of posts and news announcements so please stay tuned. I know some of you check in regularly!

MLS news...DCU is close to signing Juan Veron, a top flight Argentine player who was once among the top FIFA-ranked players. The bad news is that this might be the straw that breaks the camel's back for Christian Gomez. Apparently, negotiations between the club and Christian aren't going well. That surprises me, he's the core of the team - can't we sign him to at least a 2-year deal? I will be getting a half-season ticket plan for next season. If you want to join me, let me know. Right now, we have a couple people.

CCSL news...We'll start in March, a little earlier this year. Be thinking of plugging some holes. We are in need of an expert central defender and some more women to round things out. We have lots of possibilities right now for women but in our experience, you can rarely have too many. Also, the league handed out some stiff suspensions yet again to Far Post and Red Devils. It's juicy. See below.

And lastly, happy holidays! I hope everyone has a safe holiday season!

Fw: Disciplinary Committee Recommendation - Far Post v. Red Devils 1

Posted by: "Sanjay Nayar" snayar@yahoo.com snayar

Tue Dec 4, 2007 12:49 pm (PST)

CCSL Captains,

Please see below for the Disciplinary Committee recommendations stemming from a straight Red Card incident in a playoff game this past season. In this incident, an aggressive violent action was taken by a Red Devils player against a Far Post player which, after booking, was followed by a provoked confrontation with another Far Post player which escalated an already tense situation.

Once again, I want to stress that we will not tolerate violent conduct by our players. The sanction for the Red Devils player that goes beyond the precedent of a three game suspension emphasizes that point. But perhaps more importantly, you will note that through the inquiries of the disciplinary committee, we have also handed down a one game suspension for the Far Post player for not showing the restraint we expect in our league and making a bad situation even worse.

I send these notes out to the entire league not to disparage the names of the individuals, but rather to remind all players that they will be held accountable to the standards of the league. Please make sure your teams are fully aware of this.

We had an inordinate amount of disciplinary activities this season, and we will be working over the off season to address ways of minimizing for the Spring.

Please let me know if anyone has any questions about this.

Sanjay
CCSL Commissioner


----- Forwarded Message ----
From: Sanjay Nayar <snayar@yahoo.com>
To: TFARRI8084@aol.com; Jon DeNunzio <Jon.DeNunzio@wpni.com>
Cc: CCSL Execs <ccsl_execs@yahoogroups.com>; Carmella Alvaro <ccslref@yahoo.com>
Sent: Monday, December 3, 2007 3:05:04 PM
Subject: Disciplinary Committee Recommendation - Far Post v. Red Devils 11/11/07

Jon/Tad,

Please see below for the Disciplinary Committee recommendations stemming from the incident on 11/11/07. I have approved these recommendations in full.

Please pass along this message to Candace and Brooke as well as the other members of your respective teams

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Regards,

Sanjay
CCSL Commissioner

~~~~~~

Disciplinary Committee Recommendation:

Teams and Match Date: Red Devils v. Far Post - Playoff Match of November 11, 2007

Individual Players: Candace Key of Red Devils and Brooke Dutton of Far Post

Red Devils Player Candace Key, recipient of Red Card/Sending Off for Violent Conduct in the 77th minute against an opponent (in this case, Far Post’s Pam DeNunzio), shall receive a three (3) match suspension to begin next season (Spring 2008). This suspension is in addition to the automatic one-match suspension she served the following match, which happened to end the fall season (3rd Division Championship Game).

Based on the Official Referee and Assistant Referee Match Reports and in trying our best to interpret the multiple and differing statements submitted by players from both teams, including the two players directly involved in the “Violent Conduct” incident, it is concluded that Ms. Key acted in a deliberate manner, using excessive force, to push or strike the Far Post player to the ground. A Sending Off (Red Card) was certainly appropriate.

Further, each account describes Ms. Key delaying leaving the field in a timely manner and that she further delayed the restart of the match by not leaving the playing area in a timely manner. Of deepest concern to the Disciplinary Committee, Ms. Key entered into a verbal confrontation (including physical contact) with a Far Post player, Brooke Dutton, while leaving the field.

The CCSL does not tolerate Violent Conduct by its players. The League views any Sending Off for Violent Conduct as a very serious offense and one which must be reviewed and acted upon by a Disciplinary Committee, made up of experienced and neutral volunteers, for the purpose of determining any additional sanction against said player and/or team. Past League precedent has established that a Sending Off for Violent Conduct is punishable by a three-match suspension and, usually, probationary status for said player and/or team.

However, in this specific situation, Ms. Key also exhibited behavior, following her Sending Off, which is viewed by the Disciplinary Committee as bringing the game into disrepute. This included:

A) Failure to leave the field of play in a timely manner;
B) Entering into a confrontation with another opposing team player while leaving the field of play; and
C) Failure to leave the playing area in a timely manner, which further delayed the restart of the match.

It is for these reasons, each serious in their own right, the Disciplinary Committee recommends that Ms. Key serve her three-match (3) suspension, in full, beginning with the Spring 2008 Season. Finally, as this is a Violent Conduct offense, Ms. Key is placed on probation for one full season (in this case, Spring 2008), meaning another Sending Off offense involving either Violent Conduct, Serious Foul Play, or Foul and Abusive Language (as defined in Law 12 of the Laws of the Game) during that time will result in further sanction, even up to expulsion from the League.

Again, regardless of first offense or not, the CCSL will not tolerate acts of Violent Conduct, Serious Foul Play, or Foul and Abusive Language by its players. Further, the League will act in a proactive manner [by placing said player(s) on probation] to ensure that any such behavior proves to be a “one off” and is not indicative of any type of negative pattern on the part of the players involved.

Far Post Player, Brooke Dutton, the player involved in on-field confrontation with Red Devils Player Candace Key following Ms. Key’s Sending Off shall receive a one-match (1) suspension for failure to control herself and entering into a verbal and physical confrontation with an opposing player who had been Sent Off the field. This type of behavior also brings the game into disrepute and will not be tolerated by the League. By allowing herself to enter into said confrontation, Ms. Dutton’s actions only escalated an already tense situation, leading to Red Devils substitutes entering the field of play (regardless of it being done in an effort to stop a serious confrontation from arising) and requiring the near-by Assistant Referee to also enter the field of play in an effort to separate the players and substitutes involved.

The Disciplinary Committee isn’t placing blame on who may have initiated or provoked this confrontation. In fact, the exact words which were said and the instigator can not be independently verified, as none of the three match officials were close enough to the initial events to hear what was said by and between the two players. However, by all accounts, Ms. Dutton, got involved in said confrontation (with an opposing player who had just been Sent Off) and is guilty of not showing the appropriate and necessary restraint which the League expects its players to display during even the most competitive matches. Therefore, we recommend Ms. Dutton serve a one-match (1) suspension to begin next season (Spring 2008).

Red Devils and Far Post Teams

These two sides were involved in a highly competitive match during the regular season, with a Red Devils player being Sent Off (for a second Cautionable Offense) and additional players, from both teams, receiving Cautions related to Unsporting Behavior. The events of this earlier match were then elevated to the Commissioner as Red Devils chose to appeal at least one of the Cautions which led to their player’s Sending Off – which, after review by members of the Disciplinary Committee, and other neutral parties with experience in reviewing such cases, was denied by the Commissioner. It is most unfortunate that these two sides have again, during the same season, contested a match which included events and behavior requiring review and action on the part of the Disciplinary Committee and Commissioner.

Taking into account the level of cooperation by both Team Captains during these inquiries, and in the hope that both teams appreciate the seriousness of the offenses involved and have now put these incidents behind them, the Disciplinary Committee is not recommending any formal sanction for either team. However, we do call upon the League Commissioner to formally reprimand both teams and include this as part of the final record involving these events.

Far Post and Red Devils, their Captains and every one of their players, are reminded that they have a responsibility to the League, their teammates, their fellow competitors, match officials and themselves to compete in a manner which honors and respects the Game and everyone involved in playing it. Finally, both teams are advised that should there be any actions or incidents, involving their teams or individual players, during the Spring 2008 Season which elevate to formal review by the Disciplinary Committee, that the entire team may face possible sanctions, in addition to any sanctions placed on specific players.

Faithfully submitted, December 3, 2007,


CCSL Disciplinary Committee
Dave Tyahla – acting Chair
Eric Kriebel
Nicolas Macri
Jim Sadowski

NOTE: Jon DeNunzio, normally of the Disciplinary Committee, was excused from acting upon this situation as he serves as Captain of the Far Post Team. Mr. DeNunzio’s involvement was limited to his role as Team Captain for the purposes of collecting comments from his players on the specific events in question and then reporting them to the Commissioner and Disciplinary Committee as is standard CCSL procedure.

Be a better sports nut! Let your teams follow you with Yahoo Mobile. Try it now.

Great soccer-related blog for a laugh

Ray Hudson is just about the best soccer commentator in the USA right now, and if you don’t have GolTV, you wouldn’t know it.  Regardless, with gem quotes like this “This ball's played in, it's a good ball. He's got it all to do. He rides Marcelo, and this hit is hotter than a black leather skirt on Sophia Loren.”, you can see why he has a following.

 

Here’s a blog that chronicles his most memorable quotes during every weekend of La Liga action on GolTV.

http://hudsonia.blogspot.com/

There are even audio clips to enhance the experience.

 

I say move over ESPN commentators (Tommy Smythe, Eric Wynalda and crew).  No one matches Ray Hudson’s mixture of zaniness and enthusiasm.  A true original in the American soccer landscape (even if he is actually from England)

 

My favorite quote from him came last year during the Real Madrid-Mallorca match to end the season.  Tom Cruise was in attendance and the television kept showing him, as well as Spanish tennis champion Rafael Nadal.  Here’s what Ray had to say (Phil Schoen is the play-by-play man).

 

“And that's why you see those beautiful tears of a man whose heart is bursting, Iker Casillas...(other announcer) 'Tom Cruise?' WILL YOU STOP TALKING ABOUT TENNIS PLAYERS AND STUPID HOLLYWOOD ACTORS, PHIL!! IT'S THE GLADIATORS OUT THERE MAN, NOT TENNIS PLAYERS! Tom Cruise! Prick...If he smelt a soccer jockstrap he'd faint dead away”

 

- Jer

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Revs and Dynamo will play for MLS Championship

There's a second championship match on the line: the MLS Cup. It's this Saturday night at RFK. If you don't have your tickets, get them. It's a rematch of last year: New England Revolution versus Houston Dynamo. Kind of like the CCSL 3rd Division, it features the two best teams, other than the DC United. Chivas, which I liken to Far Post, had a great season but didn't yet have the playoff acumen to get to the championship.

Houston is an amazing team. A DC United/Houston match is what should have been. With DeRosario, Davis, Ching (questionable for the final), Clark and others, they are really stacked. They won last year in PKs. We'll have to see what happens. Despite the Revs' repeat appearances deep in the playoffs, they have no MLS Cups to their name.

Red Devils and Celtic to play for 3rd division championship

This Saturday, November 17th, Red Devils and Celtic will play each other for the 3rd Division title. I think they are the two best teams, other than us, of course. Far Post, which did well in points, lost this weekend and will not have a chance for the double-double (first in points, first in playoffs). See the 3rd division playoff bracket here.

Tonight...

Hey, everybody,

I just got the details on a soccer party tonight in Adams Morgan. (I
believe Bourbon is near Tom Tom and Roxanne/Peyote.) I used to play
with one of the hosts in Arlington. If you are looking for a little
action tonight and are in town, here are the details:



Host: Amaryllis Seabrooks, Lauren Perusse, Sarah Pickens, Matt
Deskiewicz and Courtney Sindelar
Location: Bourbon in Adams Morgan
2321 18th St., NW, Washington, DC 20009 US
View Map | Find a Hotel |
When: Saturday, November 10, 10:00PM

http://www.evite.com/pages/invite/viewInvite.jsp?event=SPHVHSLUFLXEXJNLGBZU&inviteId=OOWAWFGEKDHHKYQRIRSY&showResponse=&sortOrder=&responseToExpand=not+yet+replied



The theme is "Teammates' Teammates," and other non-soccer friends are
welcome as well. There are too many invited people now to add more
e-mail addresses. This invite is going to people and teams from
several leagues in the area, so you have a chance to meet all kinds of
soccer people. Hope ta see ya!


Liam

Meet your MVPs

You voted for the MVPs and here they are. Meet Mike and Jackie.

This ain't no surprise. They are outstanding players and we love 'em.

Mike's 1-season resume includes the following bullet points: high-percentage passer, natural leader, versatile defender and midfielder, three assists. Mike, I agree with your teammates - you were solid out there. What accolades in your first season! We can thank Jon for the referral.

Jackie's resume goes on for miles - just this season she notched two assists and played numerous minutes as a key defensive midfielder. We all know how she can take over her space, use excellent vision to move the ball around, execute hard and efficient tackles, and disrupt anyone with the bad judgment to come her way. She's a gamer, she shows up to play and steps up to the competition. What's my favorite memory of Jackie? The completely legit steamroller tackles in the semi final of the 2006 Coed Classic. She went right through about 3 of the other team's best male strikers! It's no secret that your captain is in "soccer love" with this special player. She has an addictive personality, we all know that.

Let's not forget our honorable mentions: Griz, Ally, Chris, Jon, Liam, Heather, and Kara.

Gros is probably done

According to this story, one of my favorite soccer players is seriously considering retirement. Yep, it's Josh Gros, my look-alike on DC United.

After a string of troublesome migraines and head injuries, Gros may hang 'em up. It's sad in many ways, but he accomplished so much in just four years. He started nearly every game with United and earned all-star honors for his playmaking abilities on the wing. He played opposite David Beckham. He earned one cap on the U.S. team versus Mexico (Feb. 19, 2007). He became known in DC as the energizer bunny that can outlast everyone and even fill in at right or left defensive back.

Indoor is dead

We had a dream to form a men's or coed indoor team this Winter - but that dream is dead. We missed the deadline, couldn't find enough interested people, and now the league is creating a new division on Saturday nights, which doesn't work either. Oh well, maybe later this winter or next year.

Charitable program successful

The second go-round of our charitable program was successful! We set a team goal to exceed the $180 contribution we made in the spring. We managed to reach $250.00 this time, with some matching by your captains. We had a modest participation rate of 50%. If we can get that to 75% in the future, we're set. In any case, thanks everyone for giving. We're giving a little back and, in the meantime, establishing a good relationship with the DC United.

Here is the letter to United to DC from the team:

November 6, 2007

Ms. Sara Rabe
Program Manager
United for D.C.
c/o RFK Stadium
2400 East Capitol Street S.E.
Washington, D.C. 20003

Dear Sara,

On behalf of 20 recreational soccer players and fans of DC United, I would like to present our second contribution to United for DC. Although it is a modest contribution of $250.00, it represents an increase over our contribution this past spring.

As you may know, the Goleros are an adult, co-ed, recreational soccer team based in Washington, D.C. Founded seven years ago, we play on Sundays in the Capital Coed Soccer League (CCSL – http://theccsl.com). We have nominated United for DC as a designated charity for which we reserve a portion of our bi-annual dues. We hope to continue making periodic donations to support your organization’s mission of promoting literacy and healthy living for local children.

On a personal note, thank you for email acknowledgment of our last contribution. I posted it on our blog, which I think helped generate some additional interest in contributing to the charitable program this year. In the future, please feel free to keep us apprised of your organization’s activities by email or snail mail. I hope that the annual charitable dinner was successful; next year, we hope to send some representatives.

Best regards,



Pete & Megan
Captains

cc: Zach Walker

Fall 2007 Outdoor results

The purpose of this post is just to record our record.

Here are the results from our Fall 2007 outdoor campaign in CCSL. Read our season review here. We voted on MVPs here.


Fall 2007 Record: 3-2-3 (.600)
_______________________
Aug. 26th - 3-0 win vs Quicksilver FC
Sept. 9th - 4-0 shorthanded loss to Far Post
Sept. 16th - 5-2 loss versus Red Devils
Sept. 23rd - 2-2 tie vs Capital Crew
Oct. 7th - 2-2 shorthanded tie versus Celtic
Oct. 14th - 2-0 win vs Red Tape
Oct. 21st - 4-2 win vs 2LFeet
Oct. 28th - 1-1 tie versus Tsunami

Green merger

Last week, the innovative car sharing company, Zipcar, announced its plans to acquire its Washington, DC-based rival, Flexcar. These two companies offer flexible, hourly car rentals that are designed for folks living in urban areas who don't have cars.

The amount of the deal was not disclosed, but its strategic purpose is clear: to form a single, more competitive company that can compete with the big rental car companies that may seek to offer the same product.

Why did I put this on the blog? Lots of reasons. First, I work in the antitrust and transportation fields, so I find such things interesting, sadly. Second, Megan and other teammates use Flexcar to get to some games when they are not metro accessible. Let's hope that the merger's promise of creating more options for consumers means that Megan won't be late!

Go back in time to check out these goals

This is a great youtube video of the great goals of the 2006 World Cup. The two candidates from Argentina are impressive. Cambiaso's finish to a 25-pass rally is something to watch, and Maxi Rodriguez's trap is awesome.

The best goal was...? You tell me.

We've surpassed 200 posts

This blog is on the verge of going worldwide. Well, that's not exactly true, but we've exceeded 200 posts. This is the 211th post. In the 9 months that we've run this thing, we've had 408 comments!

DC United and Goleros are brothers in arms

Our outing to the DCU game was a smashing success! And by that I mean a few people got smashed, plus it was really a good time.

DC United suffered the same fate as the Goleros. Their season was ended by a questionable call at the end of the game that resulted in a goal being called back. They're out, we're out.

More later!

Dues

Remember, we still have several folks who haven't paid up. I sent out emails. I've been covering the cost of the team all season so help me out!

Also, dues were high this year. I can never promise that they won't go up. But if the league keeps the fee the same (likely), we keep our new recruits, and add a precious few as needed, I think we can make good progress next year. I hereby announce a goal of $85 or less per person, which would be a significant reduction. Keep your fingers crossed!

Fall 2007

Fall 2007 is behind us. It wasn't impressive statistically, but it was fun. We finished 3-2-3, which is one game over .500 and in 7th place in the division - out of the playoffs. There's a lot behind those numbers though.

First, let's start with the fact that we had to rebuild, despite an extremely successful spring season. We bounced back and added an impressive list of people: Liam, Heather, Ally, Mike, Kate, and Katya. We reinforced the team with help from lots of people - that's why I find it hard to be too disappointed by missing the playoffs. Not me. I'm proud that we came as far as we did. Despite a handicapping forfeit loss and having to integrate new bodies, we almost got 2nd place.

Second, we started off slow. Game 1: forfeit win. Game 2: forfeit loss with only 7 players. Game 3: meltdown versus Red Devils (that was the low point). It was only a 2-game losing streak, but it seemed like an eternity. We tied Capital Crew in Game 4, but since we yielded a goal at the end, it didn't feel like a reason to celebrate. In Game 5, we nearly shot ourselves in the foot by fielding only 10 players, but we got it done anyway versus Celtic and took home a tie. We played really well - an obvious turning point in the season. In Game 6, we finally scored a win versus Red Tape. We followed up with another win versus Two Left Feet in Game 7. We know about Game 8: we tied Tsunami and yet again, that team got off easy. They had a lot of help from the refs, let's put it that way.

Third, despite some turnover, we still have the best roster of women in the league. Jackie, Kristin, Megan, Ally, Kate, Heather, Katya - you guys are awesome. Jen, Kara, Leslie, Julia, Kay, Courtney, Anna, you too. We have some good leads to make this an even more impressive female side in the spring.

Here's my usual bullet points for the season:

• We were 3-2-3, which is a .600 winning percentage. Not bad. We usually tie at least once, but not three times.
• We finished 7th due to tie-breakers (we were tied for 4th in points). If we would have won our last match, we would have finished an impressive 2nd. That's one goal that made the difference.
• We closed the season on a 5-game no-loss streak (tie, tie, win, win, tie). It's not dominant, but it's impressive.
  
• We dealt with the whole probation thing - something that even I will view humorously from this point forward.
• We scored 16 goals, which is low but fair. We left a lot of goals on the table so this is bound to catch back up to us.
  
• 9 players tallied points (2 points for a goal, 1 point for an assist), which is decent. We like to spread the wealth. The list included 2 women, which is good but not our best.
• The points leaders are: Jon (9 with 4 goals), Chris (6 with 3 goals), Adrian (4 with 2 goals), Ally (3 with 1 goal), Jer (3 with 1 goal), Mike (3), Griz (2 with 1 goal), Chip (2 with 1 goal), Jackie (2). This comes with the usual caveat: points don't tell the full story. Certain players - let's use Kristin as an example - play out of their mind and don't get the points.
  
• We only had 1 shut-out. We were in transition for much of the season.
• We have beaten everyone in the division, except Celtic. We have tied them twice by a score of 2-2 each time.
• Liam played in every game - and did an outstanding job. Well done my friend!
• Props to Chris, a legendary Goleros players who treks from Baltimore to run his butt off for the team.
• Thanks to our alternates for coming out. Kara, you saved us $200 by helping us avoid a forfeit (and you played well). Others contributed - Carlos, Jen, Leslie, Kay, Nick, Dianne.
  

The team is in great shape. I love playing with you folks.

We're on for Thursday

The DC United playoff match is this Thursday at 7:30 p.m. Let's meet at Capitol Lounge at 5:00 for some drinkin'. If you don't already have your ticket in hand, I'll give it to you there. Let's avoid what happened last time where I had to go in and out of the stadium passing people their tix during the match. We'll probably head to the stadium about 6:30.

DCU plays the Chicago Fire, who routinely kick our butt in the playoffs. DCU is coming fresh off a 1-0 loss in the first game of this round. That means that they must win the game. If they win by 1 goal, there will be a 30-minute overtime followed by PKs if necessary. If they win by 2 or more goals, they'll advance directly on aggregate goals.

The last match was testy. Cuatemoc Blanco is at his best, feigning injury and fouls. DC has several players recovering from injury (Emilio and Moreno). It ain't gonna be easy.

See you at Cap Lounge!

Vote for MVPs!

Team, now that the season is over, it's time to vote for Fall season MVPs. We've got some great players and people on this team. It's time to recognize them! Ideally, I'd like folks to vote on 1 man and 1 woman - and it's all in fun of course. Use whatever criteria you'd like. I believe I was nominated in an earlier post for most prolific blogger that no one reads.

Put your nominations here.

Lost shin guards

Laura from Backdraft sent this note to us. She found some shin guards at Trinity. Did you lose yours?

One of my players found a pair of white and blue adidas shin guards at Trinity yesterday. They are size small. If they belong to you or anyone on your team, please get in touch with me.

Offseason begins!

It is improbable but true. Our offseason begins now because we didn't make the playoffs. In failing to pick up 3 points this week, we left ourselves open to losing out on tie-breakers. Unfortunately, we did. Celtic lost its match versus Quicksilver (improbable, forced us to look to next match), and Two Left Feet lost to Red Devils (probable but disappointing!).

The final standings are:

1. Far Post - 17

2. Quicksilver - 13 (head to head over Celtic)

3. Celtic - 13

4. Red Devils - 12 (goal differential over Cap Crew)

5. Capital Crew - 12 (head to head over Tsunami)

6. Tsunami - 12 (goal differential over Goleros)

7. Goleros - 12

8. Two Left Feet - 4

9. Red Tape - 3


Far Post wins the division. Five teams battled for second place - and their fates were decided on the last day. Four teams finished with 12 points - we lose the first or second tie-breaker to each (loss to Red Devils, worse GD than Capital Crew and Tsunami). A few points and a few goals here and there made the difference.

There's plenty to be proud of this season! More on that later.

Oops, a tie

We played hard and well this morning, seemingly doing enough to get the win. But it was not to be. Instead, we ended with a 1-1 tie against Tsunami Naranja. Hey, cheers, the result keeps our playoffs hope alive (for now) and extends our no-loss streak to 5 games.

The decisive moment of the match came in the 80' on a controversial and late offside call. Jon had received a through ball down the right wing, which he dribbled to the goal line and crossed back for Nathan. Nathan received the ball at the 5 yard line and finished nicely for what should have been our second goal. The line judge raised the flag after the play and the center ref accepted the call. No goal. The diagram above depicts the situation as it should have been viewed by the refs. Oh, well, there's no use crying over spilt milk!

We picked up an early goal when Chris threaded the defense and shot from 15 yards in the 5'. We'll credit Ally for the assist despite what I viewed as a possible deflection before the ball came to Chris' feet. Our initial assaults on goal showed strength and tactical awareness because Tsunami started the game shorthanded. For most of the first half, we controlled the pace.

In the second half, we yielded control for a few minutes, but made satisfactory adjustments. Eventually, though, Tsunami did well to finish a relatively low percentage opportunity in the 87'. The ball bounced to Brian at the top of the box, and he put just enough on the ball to roll it to goal before Mike could retrieve it on the goal line. It's a frustrating goal, but nothing to fret about because we can't stop everything.

We were good in all phases of the game. We should be happy with the game actually. The defense was outstanding, right to left, top to bottom, and especially Liam who broke up a one-on-one well outside the box! Midfielders made the adjustments they needed to in order regain control of the match and impede counterattacks. Yes, finishing was an issue, but the forwards did put the ball in the net twice in the second half, it's just that the goals were called back (foul on Jon; offside). The forwards played well!

Good game everyone! Congratulations to Tsunami on their sportsmanship and performance today.

Notes: 1-1 tie versus Tsunami Naranja, Oct. 28, 2007, Trinity. Goals: Chris (Ally). GK: Liam. Yellow: Jon. Two goals called back!

The waiting...

Here's your real-time CCSL 3rd division playoff update. We must wait to learn our fate. After our tie today, we remain in 5th place (we are tied for third in points, but Cap Crew and Tsunami have us on the second tiebreaker - GD).

Today's other games are Far Post (1) vs Red Tape (9), Celtic (2) vs Quicksilver (6), and Red Devils (7) vs Two Left Feet (8). The key match is Celtic vs. Quicksilver, which was played at 8:00 a.m. If Celtic won or tied, we make the playoffs, because we will finish in 5th or 6th depending on the Red Devils game. The good news is that Celtic should have been motivated. They have a chance to win the Division today if Far Post ties or loses.

Oh Celtic - tell us the result!

If Celtic lost, we have a problem. We will then have to look to the Red Devils/Two Left Feet game (8:30 pm). If Red Devils tie, we're fine. But if they win, they will take the 6th spot and we will drop to 7th. I think it's likely that they'll win.

Weather report

Our game this weekend is looking iffy. Check it out here. It's supposed to stop raining some time on Saturday. It could be the afternoon before that happens. If we don't get some serious sun, Trinity won't be playable. Although we want to play, it would be a shame to tear up the field, as Jer commented.

Make sure to call the inclement weather line before you leave. And don't assume the match is canceled. You gotta get word of the cancelation on the line.

703.229.6997