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5/1/08 - Denison
If there is anything such as a walk off GOOOOAAAAAAAAL. We experienced one
last night. Going into Denison to play is never an easy task. You know to
expect it to be physical, competitive, and all you can say about calls is
“Welcome to Denison”. The team opened up playing possession, playing
together, taking space and making the right passes. The communication and
being positive with one another. We have 4 shots , 5 corners in the first 20
minutes and are unable to finish a chance. Denison breaks out with one of
their speed players off of a corner and attacks our D. Yes Butler, that is SP
to the EE , D. They end up getting a corner from the breakaway and convert.
Down 1-0. This is where it gets interesting, instead of putting our heads
down, chanting unproductive remarks, the team is chanting “let’s go, come on,
and pushing each other to do better. We place Brian Jacobs to cover the SP to
the EE, D on the side of the field , he does a great job of keeping the speedy
attacker at bay. We end up down 1-0 at half. The coaches confirm, we are
playing well, helping each other, we now have the wind and are in a good
spot. Keep playing as a team and that the opportunities are there, they will
come. We talk to Colin, Tom, Tyler, Cully and Cookie, about the defensive
breakdown at halftime, they did an excellent job of making the defensive
adjustment in the 2nd half, not allowing the Denison players to receive the
ball and turn , and dictate the play. Great job D. Tommy VonMende is fouled
in the box and is awarded a PK 13 minutes in to the 2nd half. Like a captain
should, converts the PK and we are knotted at one. Logan, Kyle L, Kyle H,
Nate, Chris, Butler continue to keep the momentum , communication and
combination play flowing in the middle, Tommy, Shea, Jonesy working hard on
top, everyone contributing, talking and playing with intensity, helping
everyone out, TEAM EFFORT. Could this be, can this be a sign of things to
come??? I hope so because it is a beautiful thing. At the end of regulation
the game is knotted at 1-1. In the first overtime LC has the wind and
continues the attack , just missing some chances. Continue to defend some
outstanding attacks from the Denision offense, Zane making an outstanding save
on a forward who ended up with the ball on the 12, flips it over the top.
Well done Keep. In the 2nd overtime, we make a lineup adjustment due to the
wind, adding another player to the midfield. Denison never knew what hit
them, LC had the ball in the attacking 3rd for over 6 minutes in the 2nd ot,
some excellent soccer being played, just not rewarding ourselves with the one
that will get us home. With :40 seconds left, Roberto Gayton steps into the
game after an LC goal kick is deflected out of bounds in the middle of the
field. Coach is calling for Tom to come and flip throw for one final chance
at goal before the game goes to Penalty Kicks to determine a winner. Logan
Stichler is on the field, realizes we do not have enough time to attempt the
throw, demands the ball to his feet, Roberto acknowledges, throws the ball to
Logan’s feet, Logan lays it back to Roberto with about .10 seconds left,
Roberto gathers himself, places a shot from the corner of the 18. Bending,
inswinger , into the wind, the ball carries far post upper 90 with literally
no time left on the clock. GOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAALLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Great job of making other players around you better Logan, great awareness of
recognizing you didn’t have the shot and Roberto, nice cross errrrrr, shot
(kidding). Well done Roberto, Well done! Walk off goal!
Remember: Great players make players around them better. The most
important soccer of the year has not been played gentlemen. If we can
continue to come together, this squad has the talent level to make noise and
beat anybody. Very Proud of the entire effort from all players, starters,
backups, bench players. Great job, Great team win. Continue to improve,
continue to develop team cohesion, we WILL get there. We will host our last
home game Monday. Senior night, H10 battle with a Harlan team that is playing
well. Time to win one for the VETS gentlemen. WAR TITANS!!!!!
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2008
Titans