This was our final game of the trip and, sadly, the 40th and final game of the 2007 season. It's hard to believe just how much the boys have accomplished this year. Just step back and try to
remember all the indoor training sessions, the trip to Score at the Shore in Jacksonville, winning the Oakwood Tournament, the Region One league, winning the State Cup, the Coastal Summer Challenge, the Region One Tournament, all leading to this final game in England against a very good squad from Norton & Stockton. And enough ice cream was eaten along the way to feed a small country. How can we possibly thank Seth and Irl enough. We are now in downhill stage of the trip and in the coming days will enjoy a visit to Old Trafford Stadium, then on to London to be topped off by some sightseeing and Liverpool vs Aston Villa. Phew!Today's match was a worthy conclusion to the year. Once again we played a competitive and well organized team. The local players demonstrated a high level of skill with and excellent touch on the ball and tough (yet fair) ball tackling ability. One of the boys from the Ancients is being looked at by the Middlesborough professional team. The game was played evenly for the first half with our boys having the better of possession but not breaking down the Ancient's defense for many threats on goal. We gave up a goal in the 40th minute against the run of play when the Ancient's top player stroked a left footed shot from the top of the box into the side panel of the net.
Following halftime, the Ancients took a 2-0 lead in the 50th minute on nice shot off a ball played forward into the box. Down 2-0 the boys seemed to rally and were unwilling to have the season end on a down note. In the 60th minute Ben blasted a shot from 25 yards out that was deflected into the goal. With the momentum solidly behind us, HoJo tied the game in the 70th minute, tucking the ball in the net off a cross from Gabe W. We continued to press hard for the remaining 10 minutes and had a few good chance to win the game. Final score 2-2.
It was a hard fought game. At the conclusion of the game the referee was overheard quipping that this was "not a very friendly, friendly match." But all was soon forgotten as the Norton & Stockton parents and coaches hosted a pizza party in the clubhouse.
1 comment:
I can't believe how much you have all done and the fun you all seem to be having! What a once in a lifetime opportunity for these boys. To share these experiences with their fellow teammates and coaches! Something to tell their children and grandchildren...MANY years from now!
KYLE - don't forget your sister's present or you'll have to fork over your new cleats that arrived at our door yesterday! Love, Mommy
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