DeLand, FL 4pm kickoff
Stetson University 4 - Flagler 5
The trips down to Stetson have been successful ones on the last two occasion. Therefore, this time we were confident about getting results down there. Coach Lynch's bubble gum pre-game speech was short but sharp. "Our chance to play a D-1 team, lets make the most of it lads."
In a second consecutive game we found ourselves down a goal early in the game. A rare lack of concentration from Peter Young gave them a soft goal. Contrary to what Stetson might have thought, we didn't lose our heads. Steve Nyaraday proved to be not only a quality bus driver, but also a useful center forward. Steve did exactly what Coach has told him so many times. "BANG the ball home Nyarady". And so he did with Niall McGuirk being the surprise supplier from the left. However Stetson were quick to restore the lead when our good friend the referee awarded a PK against us. Again it wasn't enough to knock us out of the game as Zoltan Ferencz found the back of the net after shaking off a few defenders on a breakaway. Levelled at two all, it was time for us to take the lead. Who else suitable for the job than Nyarady? Steve continues to add to his tally of total career goals which soon may see him as the Flagler College all time leading scorer. There is one player who always loves to play at Stetson, Caleb Cooper. Usually it's a cracking finish when Cooper scores but this time he went in for a challenge with the keeper, got the better of it and scored the fourth of the day for the Saints. We had earned a halftime lead of four goals to two.
Stetson's two second half goals gave them nothing at then end of the day. Our fifth goal couldn't be cancelled out. Johan finished his strong run down the middle with a little through ball to Mr. Frimannsson and ofcourse I couldn't miss another sitter.
A 5-4 away win over Stetson sets the tone for the clash with Riddle on Friday.
Man of the Match:
Once again it was a team effort that got us the win. We all worked hard but perhaps Niall and Johan worked the hardest all game. Steve's performance was huge, and as always Stalin was solid at the back. Also I think that my own performance is getting better since I got the Beckham string to keep my hair out.
Play of the Day:
It was a match filled with nonsense free kicks and wrong calls from the referee. I know we were told not to get involed with the ref but sometimes he needs some guidance. That's exactly what former German international Denis Ehmann did. Denis spotted a incorrect call some 50 yards away but he wasn't afraid of telling the ref his opinion: "It is a professional foul" And he was absolutely right.