Monday Morning Report: June 22

With a boat-load of our regular co-ed players out of town this weekend, the squad that played in the semifinals today was more the "extended family" of AC D.C. than the core. It was not surprising, therefore, that our passing and timing were both "off" during the first half against our recent nemesis "Half Time Orange Slices."  We had players of significant skill on the pitch, but to cite a Cruyffism here, "Football is simple, but the hardest thing there is, is to play simple football."  We had trouble clearing our lines, and trusting each other to make the easy passes.

Our opponent took advantage of our miscues quite frequently before the interval.  One of their attacks into the box was cleared away with a perfectly timed tackle by our make-shift right back, Hannah.  Unfortunately, the call for "sliding" was made, and the ref awarded a PK.  They went up 1 nil.

The second half was an entirely different affair, perhaps because of the arrival of Jamie and Ramon.  Who is Ramon?  Why, he's the quicker, younger, skinnier replacement for Mumbles of course.  See what happens when you take 3 weeks off to battle Anacondas in the Amazon?  You get replaced!  Ha!  (kiddin' Mumbs....we luv ya!)

The midfield play in the second half was better, as Ali and Paul learned to trust the new players around them.  Standing in for George, Robb and Anna, our friend Jessie made some fine saves in goal, especially during a break-away in the middle of the half.  Our equalizer came as Paul played a brilliantly-weighted lead pass to Ramon, who was zipping down the right wing (the speed was Toussaintesque!).  Ramon's shot was stopped by the keeper but the rebound was thumped into the goal by Captain Matthew.  Way to lead the team!

We had them on the heels for the last 10" but simply couldn't finish the job.  Then, unlike previous years, we went directly into the PK shootout.  I was optimistic to say the least, because unlike last season, "Orange Slice" didn't have their giant, sure-handed goalkeeper today.  

The first set of 5 shooters took their chances, and we were still tied.  And so, we went into sudden death.  They made.  Paul stepped up.  He buried it.  They made again.  Ramon stepped up. And it hits the post! Ok, Mumbles, maybe you're not fired just yet!  (Just kiddin' Ramon. Unlucky.)

And so for the second season in a row, we are ousted from the playoffs by "Orange Slices" in the penalty shootout.  I am beginning to dislike oranges.  No oranges for me until we beat these guys.

With that result, it's apparent that Jan has played his last co-ed game for AC D.C.  He ended his brilliant six-year career with last week's 1-0 victory.  I am disappointed because this co-ed squad has been producing great football....simple football....throughout this season.  Who knows what would have happened if we were able to keep the integrity of our roster intact for these playoffs?

Anyway....

To quote my countryman in "The Hangover," "Tooduh-roo, mudda fuckahs."

'Til the next co-ed season....