Match Report: I think I'm Old Now!

Did you ever wonder whether old age would sneak upon you gradually, or whether it would hit you at a single instant in time like a freight train? Well, let me tell you, it hits you all at once. Pictured to the left is what I look like right now. There was little warning. Yesterday I was skiing like Alberto Tomba (remember? slightly tubby...vaguely Euro...); today, I am shuffling around in no particular direction while I wait for the next episode of Matlock. The good news is that a walker gives you more appendages with which to strike a ball.

Now on to the game. Dean Park Rangers took the court against Nevada, marking the first match for Charlie since the Bush Administration. Also seen was Carlos and his missus--soccer royalty who swooped in and swooped out like Beckham and Posh Spice.

The game began with low intensity, but good pressure and spacing allowed DPR to dictate the pace of play. An early corner kick led to a pinpoint strike by me off of the goalie's left hand, then right hand, then again off his left hand, and then I think his shin. Surgical.

Terry and Charlie knifed through the Nevada defense, and peppered the poor keeper with a barrage of shots, including a boot to the back of the head for good measure. Terry's shooting was the best it has been in a while, and Charlie was in top form. The result was a steady accretion (look it up) of goals and a comfortable 5-0 lead. Paul kept the margin safe with some superb saves, and Mike and Dave moved the point of attack well. Paul put an exclamation point on things with a nice low strike to score.

Meanwhile, I hit male menopause. Capable of only 3 seconds of movement before I became a traffic cone, I contributed to the stagnant attacking play that let Nevada get back into the game and trade some goals. I attoned by barely tapping in a nice cross from Charlie who skinned a defender down the left flank.

The second half saw more of the same. Some nice plays by DPR led to some good stretches of attacking play, but overall lack of movement let Nevada sit on loose balls. I scored with my left thigh, which was a personal first. I also drew a penalty, which Terry converted by hitting the ball through the keeper, like one of those old cartoon cannon balls.

DPR finished strong, netting the final few goals to end things at 11-4. The win was solid, but still left room for improvement.

Final score:

DPR 11 - 4 Nevada

Team record: 1-0-1