When Edi called to say he had hurt his hand, the immediate reaction was not good. Sure we have a Dave backup, but he has already announced his retirement several times and has not done calisthenics or even bent at the waist in 6 months. He is like Brett Favre minus the pictures of his junk (and I guess the bending at the waist too--how else do you take the pictures?).Fortunately, it only took several minutes and several goals for Dave to dust off the cobwebs.
The game had an NBA feel to it, with both sides trading goals and not playing much defense. And while DPR scored first and never trailed, it was unable to open a big lead. From the start, Chris made it clear that he would be unstoppable, as he quickly turned defenders and got himself in good shooting positions. Like Justin Bieber, he scored early and often.
Though depleted, the Optometrists were still dangerous. The right-footed dude pretty much decided that he would shoot every time, regardless of angle, distance, or defenders on him. That strategy, at least early on (see above) was working.
DPR kept the pressure on early, but was never able to stretch or even maintain a lead. The match was knotted at half time. It should be noted that I had a hattie by halftime.
The second half saw the fresh legs and attacking versatility of DPR take control of the game. Two of the best goals of the game were off of throws from Dave. On the first, he looked like Tom Brady hitting Wes Welker in stride on a delayed pattern. In this case, Welker was played Chris, who released into space I created when I made an Ochocinco-esque run across the middle. Dave hit the streaking Chris in stride, and Chris calmly slotted it past the keeper.
On the second, Dave pinged a low bouncer towards me and Chris, who were stacked a few feet apart. I was going to take it and began peeling to the left in anticipation. Chris called me off at the last moment, and then peeled to the right. The defense apparently had decided to follow me. This left Chris with yet another easy look.
The goal surge concluded with a nice back heel redirection of a shot headed for the left post, tucking it just inside the right post.
The second half also saw some nice defensive and transitional play. Craig and Jordean settled down our possession and made nice tickling passes out the back. Nick and Dan made simple economical touches in transition.
We also began winning tackles, and unlike the first half, we were able to clear the ball away from danger. Out of spite, Dave made some saves. Perhaps the play of game, though was one of the unlikeliest things you will ever see: I broke up a 3 on 1. That was not a typo. In fact, it may have even been a 4 on 1. We gave the ball away on a counter, leaving me alone to stop the onslaught.
Fortunately, the ball was at the feet of their stay-at-home defender, whose first touch was leaden. I launched myself forward to win the ball, perhaps over optimistically, and realized I could only win it by sliding. By luck, I was able to plant my arm on the floor and keep by body off the ground (kind of like a Street Fighter sweep kick, but more accurately like one of the gals to above), thereby avoiding the foul and yellow card that I am certain would have followed. That fulfills my defensive quota for the year. Be warned.Final Result
DPR 15–11 Otpisini
Team record: 2-1-0
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