BAYS FURY 0 - GORGE FC 3

Lionel Messi in 2010 after being beat by Germany 4 - 0
and getting kicked off the World Cup Semi Finals

This past Saturday we played a tough team ~ Gorge FC. This team is without a doubt the most difficult team we've played thus far. They have given us tough games during the two opportunities we have played each other.

THE GAME

Fury started off well. Shots began to fly from early on in the first minutes of the game. Robbie caused Fynn (Gorge's goalie) to make two difficult saves in the first 5 minutes. Gabe also slipped away from his defenders twice, only to have his shots stopped by Gorge's netminder. Our midfield was in control and was battling hard in the midfield. We had a couple of corner kicks where the ball skipped in front of the net but we failed to put the ball in the back of the net. However, at around the 20 minute mark, Gorge began to turn the screw. They began to put more pressure on our center mids and back four. Suddenly, the outlets that we had in the first half began to dwindle as our wings began to disappear. Our center mid began to have the ball stripped away and turn overs began to show. Towards the last minutes of the first half, an error in the center of the field gave a free ball to one of Gorge's players who without hesitation took a low hard shot and scored on us. We were stunned. Yet, we continued. However, a few minutes after, a long cross from the wing came looping over to our net and somehow went over our goalie's arms. Two nothing. It was clear that we were deflated and had lost control.

The break came at an opportune time. During the break, Darcy and I asked the boys to toughen up and to be first to the ball. We gave them instructions in moving quicker when not on the ball and also gave them instructions on positioning. Specifically, we asked the wingers to open the field and come back to retrieve balls. We also reminded all the boys that no matter how much we worked, turn overs would kill us and therefore they had to stop.

In the second half, the boys came out with a bit more composure. It seemed that they might be heading in the right direction when suddenly, without much build-up, a turn over at the back gave a chance to one of Gorge's forwards who with a one time left-footed shot hit the net from far out. It was 3-0 early in the second half. I could tell (and feel) the boys' confidence fly away.  We made a couple of small changes in the formation but it was clear that we were having a difficult time focusing and regrouping after such a quick a hard blow.

Yet, because of their talent, the boys did eventually create some chances. Finn was unfortunate to miss two clear chances when he hit the bar then scuffed the rebound shot away and in another had the ball stripped away from his feet by Gorge's goalie. In another instance, Robbie took a shot from inside the 18 yard box that just missed the inside of the post. Another opportunity gone. The boys began to suffer more and more as the lack of subs became a factor (we had none). As the game progressed, the threat from Gorge's forward's stifled our advances to net and continued to unsettle our defence. Our hesitation was palpable. Our defenders were kept at the back without much room to advance forward. Brandon had his hands full in the second half but did well to cover up what he could. Koby and Justin fought hard in the middle even though things were not going their way. In fact, I think all the boys did try to do what they could within their means. But in the end, as the final whistle blew, it was clear that Saturday was not our day.

Gorge deserved the win. They also deserve our respect for their hard work and undying desire to win.

INJURIES

Although it is part of what coaches deal with, I must admit that it was difficult to present alternatives to formation and strategy when 4 of our boys were hurt and one was away. Mathew and Jonathan could not even play. Robbie got hurt early in the game and had to come off while Tyler also got hurt (so bad that he left the game entirely in the second half). Although the two played, it was clear that they were not 100%. Tyler could not even walk properly by the end while Robbie limped during the entire second half.  Hamish was away.

It was unfortunate that this happened. I truly believe that if we had all the players 100% available, we would have done better. This is not to take away from the boys who were not injured ~ they deserve credit. But one cannot deny the fact that our options were reduced and that this dictated how our team was set up in the game. Being able to sub players is one option that we just did not have in this game.

FINAL ASSESSMENT OF GAME

There is no question that the two biggest factors that contributed to Gorge's win were the following:

• First, Gorge's persistent pressure on us (alongside our inability to deal with the constant pressure).
• Second, our lack of focus when defending.  

We must give credit to our boys in regard to their skill and control of the ball. They have worked hard and have shown that they have what it takes to play at a high level. During many periods of the game, we did move the ball well and also had some beautiful moments of attacking soccer. But we faced a team that plays hard and does not give up any spaces. We did not know how to handle this and in the end, that is what cost us the most.

So back to the practice field ~ in the next few weeks we are going to work hard on becoming a tougher team.

And remember - no team is unbeatable. Just ask Messi & Co.

Until next time,

Roberto