Match Report: Semi Squeeker

With no Everton, no Terry, no Charlie, and no subs, what remained of DPR had to square off against an always dangerous Natick. Specifically, we are talking here about Nene. Natick's offense typically involves about 200 long tosses to Nene, and then a short grappling match as he backs in to the defender. Even though this play works about only 5% of the time, 5% of 2oo is 10 goals. So with that in mind, DPR had to make sure to get its goals, and try to minimize the gift goals.

Despite going down a goal early on, DPR took the lead with some good pressure. Dan in particular was all over the place, and helped get the offense going, even though the chances weren't always finished. A neat square ball by Dan for an easy tap in gave DPR the 2-1 lead. A perfect corner to Dave's noggin resulted in a perfect header into the far upper corner. 3-1. This is where fatigue set in. The lack of subs led to physical and mental breakdowns. Ilyas forgot to cover his man on a long overlapping run. Natick knotted things at 3, and then the teams started trading goals.

The second half had more of the same. Unlucky bounces resulted in counter attacks, with Nene finding himself wide open at times. Paul made a few brilliant saves to keep things under control. DPR found itself leading 7-6 when the dude who likes a miniature Easter Island statute decided to draw a yellow for being a moron. DPR was unable to convert the man advantage. A bad bounce resulted in a quick counter and a strike by Natick to tie things at 6.

Of course, this was a playoff game, so there had to be controversy. Dan found himself at the top of the circle and cutting in towards shooting position. A defender slid into him from behind and took him down. No call. It looked to be in the box too. Nene made up for things by booting a deadball away for another yellow. The half then ended, again with DPR unable to capitalize. Dan's foot was clearly injured, and he seemed barely able to walk. Nevertheless, DPR has prided itself on being a gritty team (except for those really prissy early years).

Overtime began with DPR still a man up for 2.5 minutes. DPR went to the classic 4-corners offense, trying to pull apart the three defenders. The plan worked, as Natick chased to the left, leaving Dave the right flank to lope forward, and casually strike the ball in a manner reminiscent of the hoof-strike in that beer commercial where the horses played football. (See dramatization above. Although no horses were injured in the taking of that picture, I wish I could say the same for Dave on the shot). The ball seemed to defy the law of physics and end up in the net, even though it seemed to go wide.

It was a win, but only barely.

Final Score:

DPR 7 - 6 Natick United
(DPR advances to Final)

Team Record: 5-1-0