Game of the Week, GOTW (03/28/13)
ECS-La Barra FC vs. Flying Fish– Thursday Coed D Outdoor
ECS Labarra and The Flying Fish faced off in our GOTW. This was the first match to open up league play for our Outdoor Coed Thursday league, and what a great start it was.
The game kicked off under the lights on a cool 60 degree night, no breeze or clouds to be found; a perfect beginning to the Spring season. Immediately after the kick-off, the action started. The Flying Fish pressed hard and fast into ECS Labarra’s half. This coed game had a very competitive atmosphere – the tackles were hard and the passes were crisp. The first goal for The Flying Fish came off of a free kick near the sideline. The ball was whipped in with some pace and after being knocked down in the 6-yard box, a striker for The Flying Fish calmly slotted the ball into the back of the net. The Flying Fish continued knocking the ball around and maintaining most of the possession. Not long after their first goal, The Flying Fish’s second goal came from Luke Ricci. He found himself with a few yards of space about 25 yards out and saw that the keeper was coming off his line, so he chipped it over him to put The Flying Fish up 2-0. The Flying Fish got their third when the striker, Colin, shot an absolute missile off of the bottom of the cross bar and into the goal. The half ended with 3-0 lead for The Flying Fish.
Although The Flying Fish dominated the first half, the second half was a whole new game. You could tell that ECS Labarra was finding their rythym and learning to connect with each other. The ECS was able to string passes together in a structured attack like they were unable to do in the first half. Both teams had their opportunities throughout the second half, but the fourth goal of the match did not come until about the 80-minute mark. A striker for The Flying Fish received the ball right on the corner of the 6-yard box and ripped a shot near post for a goal. This did not discourage ECS Labarra at all. Their pressure continued and you could see the purpose in their passes. Soon after being scored on, ECS Labarra was awarded a free kick from about 35 yards out. It was driven into the box with pace and when a defender for The Flying Fish tried to get a head on it, the ball was deflected into his own goal, making the score 4-1. The game ended just minutes after.
The Flying Fish is definitely a team to watch in our Outdoor Coed Thursday league. They play fast and well together.
ECS Labarra did not take home a win, but being their first time playing together, they should be very pleased with their progress. They improved drastically in 90 minutes, we are looking forward to seeing what they do this season.
